Biman suspends Riyadh, Dammam flights until Oct 18

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended all flights to Riyadh and Dammam until October 18 amid continuing security concerns following attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia.

The national flag carrier announced the decision in a press release on Thursday, saying the suspension was aimed at ensuring passenger safety as the security situation remained uncertain.

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi movement denied carrying out an attack on Saudi Arabia on Thursday, hours after Riyadh reported intercepting a missile allegedly targeting the area around the holy city of Madinah.

“The Yemeni armed forces confirm that they have not carried out any operation today targeting Saudi territory, and that the Saudi enemy’s claims of an attack on Madinah are a shameless and brazen lie,” Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree wrote on social media platform X.

Biman said the suspension of its Riyadh and Dammam services would remain effective until October 18, based on Bangladesh local time.

The airline said further decisions regarding flight operations and revised schedules would be announced depending on developments in the security situation.

To minimise disruption, Biman has advised passengers requiring urgent travel to Saudi Arabia or returning to Bangladesh to consider

alternative flights through Jeddah and Madinah international airports.

As part of its contingency arrangements, the airline has deployed larger Boeing 777 aircraft on its Madinah route, replacing the Boeing 787 Dreamliner previously operating the service.

The change has increased passenger capacity by 148 seats per flight, allowing Biman to accommodate more travellers affected by the suspension.

The airline has also arranged three additional flights on the Jeddah route to ease passenger pressure and provide alternative travel options.

According to Biman, the additional flights and increased seating capacity are intended to facilitate the movement of stranded passengers and Bangladeshi expatriate workers facing travel disruptions.

The suspension comes amid heightened security concerns in Saudi Arabia, where reported attacks on airport facilities have disrupted flight operations and created uncertainty for international travellers.

The developments have raised concerns among Bangladeshi migrant workers, particularly those whose visas are approaching expiry and who need to return to their workplaces in Saudi Arabia.

Biman reiterated that passenger safety remained its highest priority and said services to the affected destinations would resume subject to a review of the security situation.

Passengers holding tickets for Riyadh and Dammam flights have been advised to contact their nearest Biman Bangladesh Airlines sales centre for information on ticketing arrangements, alternative routes and updated flight schedules.

The airline said further announcements would be made as necessary.