CAAB directs airlines to assist passengers hit by Saudi flight disruptions

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has directed airlines operating direct and transit flights to Saudi Arabia to immediately inform and assist passengers affected by disruptions at airports across the kingdom.

In a letter dated October 12, CAAB instructed airlines to notify affected passengers of airport closures, delays, cancellations and schedule changes through SMS, phone calls, email, websites, social media and other available channels.

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They must also provide clear information on revised departure times, rebooking and refund arrangements, and advise passengers not to travel to the airport without first confirming their flight status, it added.

Passengers requiring visa extensions or other immigration-related assistance should be advised to coordinate with the relevant Saudi authorities, the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka and other appropriate agencies, the directive said.

The directive also instructed airlines to provide care and assistance to stranded passengers at HSIA, including food, drinking water, refreshments, medical support and other necessary assistance, where applicable. Special attention must be given to elderly passengers, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable travellers.

Each airline has also been asked to appoint a focal point, supported by adequate staff, to coordinate passenger assistance, flight updates and operational arrangements with HSIA authorities.

HSIA Executive Director Group Captain SM Ragib Samad said airport operations across Saudi Arabia were facing significant disruption due to the prevailing security situation.