Dhaka–Saudi Route Shutdown Leaves Thousands Stranded
Restrictions at Saudi airports following attacks have halted 61 flights between Dhaka and Saudi destinations. Bangladesh aviation figures show 22 direct and 39 transit services were suspended, leaving at least 8,381 passengers stranded. The disruption affects Bangladeshi workers and Umrah travelers, and passenger totals are still being revised.
CAAB data show 22 direct Dhaka–Saudi services and 39 connecting flights were stopped. Direct suspensions included nine Biman, four Saudia, two US-Bangla and seven Riyadh Air operations, mainly serving Riyadh and Dammam. Transit cancellations involved IndiGo, Emirates, Qatar Airways, flydubai, SalamAir and EgyptAir.
Earlier CAAB figures listed 5,418 travelers on 51 flights; the revised tally reached 61 flights and at least 8,381 passengers. Counts remain provisional because a major carrier had not supplied complete data, and some local reports suggested totals near or above 9,000.
The shutdown may leave migrant workers and Umrah pilgrims unable to reach jobs or religious obligations, while families face uncertainty over schedules and costs. Airlines could struggle with rebooking, refunds and rerouting, and Dhaka airport may see crowding or confusion. If restrictions persist into mid-October, travel plans and livelihoods tied to Saudi employment may be disrupted, though revised passenger figures could change the scale.