Travel from Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia has been badly disrupted. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) says 100 direct and transit flights have been cancelled or suspended, leaving 15,393 passengers stranded or affected.
What Happened After Houthi Attacks
The disruption follows Houthi attacks and security-related restrictions at Saudi airports, mainly King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. According to CAAB, the affected flights include 41 direct flights and 59 transit flights from Dhaka.
Which Airlines Affected
Several carriers have cancelled or suspended services:
- Biman Bangladesh Airlines: 17 direct flights affected, with Riyadh and Dammam flights suspended until October 17
- US-Bangla Airlines: 10 direct flights affected, with Riyadh flights suspended until October 21
- Saudia: 7 flights cancelled
- Riyadh Air: 7 flights suspended
Transit carriers have also been hit, including IndiGo, Emirates, Qatar Airways, flydubai, SalamAir, and EgyptAir.
Impact on Passengers
Most of the affected travellers are Bangladeshi migrant workers and Umrah pilgrims. Many now face uncertainty over their jobs, visa validity, refunds, and alternative tickets. Workers who must report to employers by a set date are especially worried, since delays can put their jobs at risk.
Government Response
Bangladesh’s government is seeking bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia to extend visas for stranded workers. The aim is to make sure that workers who cannot fly on time do not lose their visas or work opportunities because of the cancellations.
Airport Status Remains Uncertain
Reports say King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh is expected to stay closed until October 17. However, the situation is changing quickly, and dates could shift at short notice.
What Travellers Should Do
- Contact your airline directly before going to the airport
- Keep all tickets, visa copies, and booking receipts safe
- Ask your travel agency or recruiting agency about refunds and rebooking
- Check official CAAB and airline announcements for updates
Final Thoughts
With thousands of workers and pilgrims waiting for clarity, the coming days will depend on how quickly flight operations resume and how fast the two governments agree on visa relief. Until then, affected passengers should stay in close contact with their airlines and avoid travelling to the airport without confirmation.
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