Flights between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia are in turmoil. Attacks on Saudi airports, blamed on Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, have forced several airlines to cancel Dhaka-Riyadh services and left thousands of passengers stuck.
What Happened at Riyadh Airport
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was attacked on Saturday, 10 October, and suspended operations afterwards. Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said at least 12 people were killed, including two Bangladeshis, and 309 were injured. Other reports put the death toll at 13.
Airlines Cancel and Suspend Flights
Biman Bangladesh Airlines suspended its Dhaka-Riyadh-Dhaka flights BG339 and BG340 on Saturday night and has since said Riyadh services will stay off until 17 October. US-Bangla Airlines has suspended its Dhaka-Riyadh flights until 21 October. Saudia and Riyadh Air have also cancelled services.
A Biman flight to Dammam, BG349, was diverted to Doha on 11 October after King Fahd International Airport briefly paused operations. Biman says it continues to fly to its other three Saudi destinations.
Thousands of Passengers Affected
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) reported that 12 direct Riyadh-bound flights have been cancelled, affecting 5,418 passengers. Many travellers came to Dhaka from distant districts, only to find their flights cancelled. Some have faced extra costs for travel, accommodation and food, while workers in Saudi Arabia have struggled to return home.
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Government Response
Civil Aviation Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said Biman is trying to place Riyadh-bound passengers on flights to the other three Saudi airports, especially those facing work permit problems. Saudi carriers are also rerouting some passengers through other Saudi airports so they can finish the journey by road. The government has announced plans to arrange alternative flights for people with urgent visa or job deadlines.
Why This Matters for Bangladeshi Workers
More than 3.2 million Bangladeshis live in Saudi Arabia, and many fear lost wages or jobs if they cannot travel on time. Travellers should check with their airline before going to the airport and keep documents for any visa deadline.
