Saudi airport curbs disrupt 107 Dhaka-linked flights

Restrictions imposed at Saudi Arabian airports in the wake of attacks have disrupted 107 direct and transit flights on routes linking Dhaka with the kingdom, affecting 16,620 passengers, according to the latest data from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

Of the affected flights, 44 were direct services, and 63 were transit flights. Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines and Saudia each had 10 or more direct flights disrupted, while Riyadh Air reported seven. Among transit services, IndiGo was the hardest hit with 22 disrupted flights, followed by Emirates with 14, Qatar Airways with nine, SalamAir with seven, flydubai with six, Air India with four and EgyptAir with one.

Consequently, passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia for work and other commitments, as well as those awaiting return flights to Bangladesh, face acute uncertainty over their schedules. Moreover, arranging alternative flights and routes has proved increasingly arduous. CAAB said it was coordinating with airlines to monitor developments and revise timetables.

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However, the resumption of normal operations hinges on the easing of airport restrictions and an improvement in the broader situation. In the interim, passengers have been urged to contact their airlines before travelling to confirm flight status, revised departure times and alternative arrangements.