23,274 passengers affected as 189 flights disrupted so far

Operational restrictions at Saudi Arabian airports have disrupted 189 direct and transit flights involving Bangladesh, affecting 23,274 passengers so far, according to the latest data from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh’s (Caab) ASM Flight Management.

Of the affected flights, 112 were direct services and 77 were transit flights, according to the latest update.

Among direct flights, Biman Bangladesh Airlines recorded the highest number of disruptions, with 55 flights affected. Riyadh Airways had 25 affected flights, followed by Saudia Airlines with 22 and US-Bangla Airlines with 10.

Among transit flights, IndiGo recorded the highest number of affected services, with 30, followed by Emirates with 14, Qatar Airways with nine, flydubai and Air India with eight each, SalamAir with seven, and EgyptAir with one.

The disruptions began after attacks targeted Saudi airports in early October, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

The attacks prompted airlines to cancel or suspend services to several Saudi destinations amid security concerns.