Saudi-bound flights: Biman keeps Dhaka-Riyadh route shut until 30 November, 23,000+ passengers hit

Disruption to Saudi-bound flights from Bangladesh is dragging on. Citing the security situation after attacks on Saudi airports and the safety of passengers, state carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has extended the suspension of its regular Dhaka-Riyadh-Dhaka flights until 30 November. Biman announced the decision in a press release on Wednesday afternoon, 11 November.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), at least 189 direct and transit flights between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have been cancelled or suspended since early October. A total of 23,274 passengers have been affected, among them migrant workers employed in Saudi Arabia and Umrah pilgrims.

Why the Riyadh route is closed

Several outlets report that a number of Saudi airports were attacked in early October, with the attacks attributed to Yemen's Houthi group. Flights to Riyadh, Dammam and other destinations were then restricted for security reasons, and the impact hit Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport directly.

In its notice, Biman named the "attack-related situation" in Saudi Arabia and passenger safety as the reasons for the suspension.

Flights cancelled by airline

CAAB figures show Biman is the worst-hit carrier among direct services, with 55 flights cancelled. Saudia lost 22 flights and US-Bangla Airlines 10, while Riyadh Airways also cancelled a large number.

Seventy-seven transit flights were cancelled:

• IndiGo: 30
• Emirates: 14
• Qatar Airways: 9
• flydubai: 8
• Air India: 8
• SalamAir: 7
• EgyptAir: 1

So it is not just direct flights: routes to Saudi Arabia via Dubai, Doha or Delhi have also been disrupted.

Timeline

• Early October: Attacks on Saudi airports; flight restrictions begin.
• 25 October: Biman extends the Riyadh and Dammam suspension to 4 November.
• 3 November: Biman says the Riyadh route stays closed until further notice.
• 7 November: Dammam flights resume.
• 11 November: The Riyadh suspension is extended to 30 November.

Which routes are running

Biman says its Dhaka-Jeddah, Dhaka-Madinah and Dhaka-Dammam flights are operating as previously announced. Many Riyadh-bound travellers with urgent needs are flying via Jeddah or Madinah instead, though passengers have told the media this adds extra fares and the cost of a long onward journey inside Saudi Arabia.

What passengers should do

• If you hold a Biman ticket, contact the nearest Biman sales centre for updated information.
• Passengers of other airlines should ask their airline or travel agent about alternative routes and rebooking rules.
• If your leave or visa is about to expire, inform your employer about the cancellation in advance.
• Check your flight status online or by phone before heading to the airport.

What happens next

Whether the Riyadh route reopens on 1 December depends on the security situation in Saudi Arabia. Biman says it will announce its next decision after reviewing conditions. Saudi Arabia is one of the largest destinations for Bangladeshi workers, so a longer shutdown would put more pressure on migrant workers and their families. Priyo News 24 will update this report when there is a new announcement.