Riyadh attack: 100 flights cancelled, over 15,000 affected

Flight cancellations caused by restrictions at Saudi Arabian airports have now affected 100 flights and 15,393 passengers from Bangladesh, as continuing security threats prolong uncertainty over when normal operations will resume.

The latest figures from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) show that 41 direct flights and 59 connecting flights have been affected since the restrictions began following successive missile and drone attacks on Saudi aviation facilities.

The disruptions have left migrant workers particularly vulnerable, with some facing imminent visa expiry or the end of their approved leave.

Some affected passengers are seeking alternative flights to Jeddah and Madinah to enter Saudi Arabia and reach their workplaces.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has also advised passengers requiring urgent travel to consider using Jeddah and Madinah airports while its Riyadh and Dammam services remain suspended until October 17.

Among direct operators, Biman accounted for 17 affected flights, US-Bangla Airlines 10, and Saudia and Riyadh Air seven each.

Among connecting carriers, IndiGo recorded 22 affected flights, Emirates 14, SalamAir and Qatar Airways seven each, flydubai six, Air India two and EgyptAir one.

Meanwhile, Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport will remain closed until October 17.

The security situation deteriorated further yesterday, with Saudi authorities reporting the interception of another ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels also threatened further attacks on Saudi airports and oil infrastructure following a strike on Saudi Aramco facilities in Dhahran, Reuters reported.

Against this backdrop, the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) yesterday urged the government to take immediate diplomatic steps to protect the employment and legal status of affected migrant workers.

In a statement, BAIRA expressed concern that newly recruited workers awaiting departure and expatriates returning to Saudi Arabia after visiting Bangladesh could face difficulties over expiring visas, residence permits and employment arrangements.

The association called for discussions with Saudi authorities to extend affected workers’ visas and iqamas and ensure that their jobs remain protected.

It also demanded free ticket rescheduling or full refunds without additional charges, alongside government assistance for affected workers and their families.

The government is already pursuing bilateral discussions with Saudi Arabia over visa extensions for stranded workers, said Md Nurul Haque, the state minister for expatriates’ welfare and overseas employment, earlier this week.

On October 12, CAAB directed airlines operating direct and connecting services to Saudi Arabia to promptly notify affected passengers of cancellations, delays and schedule changes through SMS, telephone, email and other communication channels.

Airlines have also been instructed to provide information on revised schedules, rebooking and refunds, and guide passengers requiring visa extensions or immigration assistance towards the relevant Saudi authorities and diplomatic missions.

However, with Riyadh airport closed until October 17 and further attacks threatened, uncertainty persists over when affected passengers will be able to complete their journeys.