51 flights disrupted, over 5,400 passengers affected by Saudi Airport crisis

A total of 51 flights, including 12 direct and 39 transit services, have been disrupted due to operational disruptions at airports in Saudi Arabia, affecting 5,418 passengers travelling to and from Bangladesh, according to Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) data.

Figures as of October 12 show that among the affected direct flights, four were operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, two by US-Bangla Airlines, and three each by Saudia and Riyadh Air.

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Of the affected transit flights, 16 were operated by IndiGo, nine by Emirates, five each by Qatar Airways and flydubai, three by SalamAir and one by EgyptAir.

Meanwhile, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has cancelled its Dhaka-Riyadh-Dhaka flights from October 12 to 17 following the continued closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

In a separate statement on Monday, the national flag carrier said the Riyadh airport authorities had extended the suspension of operations until 3:00am Bangladesh time, forcing the cancellation of flight BG539 scheduled for October 12.

The disruption comes amid heightened security concerns following a series of attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. According to Saudi authorities and international media reports, a strike on October 10 killed 13 people, including two Bangladeshis, and injured more than 300 others.

A further attack on October 11 killed a Pakistani national and injured 11 others, according to Saudi aviation authorities cited by international news agencies.

Separately, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Sunday advised American aircraft operators to exercise caution when flying to or over Saudi Arabia, citing risks associated with military activity and potential interference with navigation systems.

The advisory, which remains in effect until December 10, covers risks during overflight, arrival and departure operations.