Security Deterioration in Saudi Arabia Grounds 89 Flights from Dhaka

At least 14,655 passengers have been left stranded after 89 Saudi-bound flights from Dhaka were suspended due to the deteriorating security situation in Saudi Arabia. The affected operations include direct flights to Saudi Arabia as well as transit flights operated by various international airlines.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) disclosed the information in a press release on Wednesday, 14 October. According to CAAB data, the direct flights suspended include 17 operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 10 by US-Bangla Airlines, seven by Riyadh Air, and five by Saudia. Among the transit operations, 22 flights of IndiGo, 11 of Emirates, six of Qatar Airways, six of Flydubai, four of SalamAir, and one of EgyptAir have been called off.

Concerns over airspace safety mounted following attacks targeted at various Saudi airports and critical infrastructure by Yemen’s Houthi group. Flight disruptions escalated particularly after an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, directly impacting schedules for passengers traveling from Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia.

The flight suspensions have caused severe hardship for Bangladeshi expatriates returning to work, new migrant workers embarking on employment, and Umrah pilgrims. With their travel plans rendered uncertain, many are left waiting for alternative flight arrangements. Uncertainty over Saudi-bound flights is likely to persist until the situation normalizes. In light of the current conditions, authorities have advised passengers to contact their respective airlines to confirm the latest status of their flights.