Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended all Dhaka flights to Riyadh and Dammam until 18 October, extending an earlier suspension by one day. The airline cited passenger safety after attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia.
The Scale of the Disruption
The CAAB says restrictions at Saudi airports have disrupted 103 flights since Saturday, affecting 15,779 passengers. Among direct flights, 17 were Biman’s, 10 were US-Bangla Airlines’, eight were Saudia’s and seven were Riyadh Air’s. US-Bangla has suspended its Dhaka-Riyadh flights until 21 October.
Use Jeddah or Madinah
Biman says passengers who need to travel urgently can use Jeddah and Madinah airports, both to reach Saudi Arabia and to return to Bangladesh. To help, the airline replaced a Boeing 787 with a larger Boeing 777 on the Madinah route, adding 148 seats per flight. It has also arranged three extra flights on the Jeddah route.
What Biman Passengers Should Do
- Contact your nearest Biman sales centre for ticketing details, alternative travel and updated schedules
- Do not go to the airport until your flight is confirmed
- Watch Biman’s announcements, since the airline says further decisions and revised schedules will follow
- If you must reach Saudi Arabia, ask about seats to Jeddah or Madinah
Pressure on Migrant Workers
Many affected passengers are migrant workers. Reports say some are scrambling to find alternative routes to reach their workplaces before their visas expire, risking job losses and legal complications. Some passengers also face higher costs for alternative flights.
What Remains Unclear
Biman has not said when Riyadh and Dammam flights will restart, and the Saudi airport situation remains fluid. Passengers should check directly with their airline or travel agent before travelling.
