Biman Bangladesh Extends Dhaka–Riyadh Flight Suspension Until 30 November Over Saudi Attack Situation
Why It MattersSaudi airspace and airport restrictions are forcing carriers on the Bangladesh–Gulf corridor to rebuild schedules route by route, concentrating demand on the Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam services that remain open.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has extended the suspension of regular flights on the Dhaka–Riyadh–Dhaka route by another 19 days, until 30 November. The airline announced the decision in a press release on Wednesday afternoon, citing the recent airstrike-related situation in Saudi Arabia and concerns over passenger safety. Earlier decisions on flights to Saudi Arabia remain in effect until 30 November.
Flights on the Dhaka–Jeddah, Dhaka–Dammam and Dhaka–Madinah routes will continue according to earlier announcements and schedules. Passengers have been asked to contact the nearest Biman sales centre for updated ticket and travel information.
On 25 October, Biman had extended the suspension of flights on the Dhaka–Dammam and Dhaka–Riyadh routes until 4 November. The airline later announced that regular flights on the Dhaka–Dammam–Dhaka route would resume from 7 November, while the Riyadh route stayed suspended until further notice.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh reported on 8 November that 186 flights operating directly or via transit between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia were disrupted by restrictions on flight operations following attacks by the Iran-backed Yemeni armed group Houthis on various Saudi Arabian airports. Of these, 109 were direct flights.
