Saudi flight disruptions affect 9,269 passengers

Restrictions on operations at Saudi Arabian airports have affected 61 flights and 9,269 passengers so far, according to the latest figures from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

Of the affected flights, 22 were direct services and 39 were transit flights. The number of affected passengers rose from 8,381 in CAAB's previous update, while the number of flights remained unchanged.

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Meanwhile, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended its Dhaka-Dammam flight BG349 scheduled for 3:10pm today, citing security concerns.

Several international airlines, including Qatar Airways, IndiGo, Etihad Airways, Emirates and flydubai, have also suspended or cancelled flights to Dammam and Riyadh.

Separately, Saudi Arabia is investigating why its air defence systems failed to intercept missiles and drones involved in an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, AP reported, citing two regional officials.

The attack killed at least 13 people and injured more than 300, according to the report. Preliminary information indicated that Houthi forces launched multiple drones before cruise and ballistic missiles reached Riyadh, the officials said.

Saudi authorities have yet to publicly disclose the findings of the investigation.

The King Khalid International Airport remains closed, with a notice to airmen extending the closure until October 17, Reuters reported.