Thousands of Bangladeshi migrant workers and other passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia are facing uncertainty as escalating security threats have disrupted air services to the kingdom, leaving many unable to reach their destinations or resume their journeys.
A total of 89 flights from Dhaka to Saudi Arabia have been suspended since the crisis began, affecting at least 14,776 passengers, according to a notice issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) on Wednesday.
The disruption has affected both direct and transit services, putting additional pressure on passengers travelling for employment, family visits and religious purposes. For migrant workers, prolonged cancellations could mean delayed joining dates, uncertainty over employment and additional travel expenses.
According to the CAAB notice, 17 direct flights operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 10 by US-Bangla Airlines, seven by Riyadh Air and five by Saudia have been cancelled.
Transit services have also been disrupted, with 22 flights operated by IndiGo, 11 by Emirates, six each by Qatar Airways and flydubai, four by SalamAir and one by EgyptAir suspended.
The cancellations follow a series of missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi armed group targeting Saudi Arabia, raising concerns over the safety of aircraft operating in the kingdom’s airspace. Airports and oil infrastructure, particularly in the capital, Riyadh, have reportedly come under repeated attacks.
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has been among the principal targets. An attack last Saturday reportedly killed 12 people, including two Bangladeshis, while at least 309 others, including Bangladeshi nationals, were injured.
In the latest reported incident, the Houthis attacked the airport again on the night of Sunday, October 11, killing a Pakistani national and injuring 11 others. The airport has reportedly been targeted at least five times in the past week.
An earlier attack last Thursday killed three Saudi nationals, including a pilot. A Saudia Airlines aircraft was also reportedly targeted during the incident, with the pilot believed to have been among those killed.
Flights arriving at and departing from King Khalid International Airport were suspended following the attacks, and the restrictions remain in force, according to the report. More than 600 flights involving Bangladesh and other countries have reportedly been cancelled as a result.
The disruption comes amid nearly two months of escalating attacks and counter-attacks involving the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen and the Saudi-led military coalition.
The Houthis have increasingly targeted Riyadh airport, while the group had earlier warned that airlines operating through Saudi airspace could face severe consequences.
The continuing uncertainty has created fresh difficulties for Bangladesh’s aviation sector and the large number of Bangladeshi nationals who depend on air links with Saudi Arabia for work and other essential travel.
The extent of the disruption will depend on the security situation and the restoration of normal airport operations. Until restrictions are lifted and airlines resume services, affected passengers are likely to face further delays, rescheduling difficulties and uncertainty over their travel plans.