Saudi flight disruptions affect 89 Dhaka flights, 14,655 passengers

Restrictions on flight operations at airports in Saudi Arabia have affected 89 direct and transit flights from Dhaka, disrupting travel for 14,655 passengers so far, according to the latest figures from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

Of the affected flights, 39 were direct services between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, while 50 were transit flights.

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Among the direct services, Biman Bangladesh Airlines accounted for 17 affected flights, followed by US-Bangla Airlines with 10, Riyadh Air with seven and Saudia with five.

Of the 50 affected transit flights, IndiGo accounted for 22, Emirates 11, Qatar Airways and flydubai six each, SalamAir four and EgyptAir one.

The disruptions come amid continuing missile and drone attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia, with fresh explosions reported in Riyadh and attacks extending to the kingdom's oil infrastructure.

Residents of Riyadh reported hearing explosions today as Saudi air defences intercepted a ballistic missile, according to the Associated Press.

No casualties or significant damage were immediately reported from the latest interception.

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remains closed following successive attacks, disrupting international flight operations.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended all Dhaka-Riyadh and Dhaka-Dammam flights until October 17, citing passenger safety concerns. The airline said passengers would be informed of further decisions and revised schedules in due course. It advised those requiring urgent travel to consider using Jeddah and Madinah airports.

US-Bangla Airlines has also suspended its Dhaka-Riyadh-Dhaka services until October 21.