Biman Suspends Dammam, Riyadh Flights Until Nov 4 Amid Houthi Attacks
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has announced the immediate suspension of all scheduled passenger flights from Dhaka to Dammam and Riyadh, effective through November 4, 2026, in response to escalating Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting key aviation infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. The decision follows a series of strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, which have raised serious safety concerns for commercial aviation operations in the region. The national carrier stated that the move prioritizes passenger and crew safety while complying with directives from Bangladeshi and Saudi aviation authorities.
The suspension directly affects thousands of Bangladeshi expatriate workers, pilgrims, and business travelers who rely on these high-frequency routes connecting Dhaka with Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province and capital region. Dammam and Riyadh collectively handle a significant portion of the nearly 2.5 million Bangladeshi migrants residing in the Kingdom, making this disruption particularly impactful during the peak travel season. Biman has advised affected passengers to rebook on alternative routes via Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport and Medina's Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, which remain operational and are currently deemed secure. The airline is deploying additional capacity on these alternate sectors and coordinating with Saudi ground handlers to manage increased passenger volumes.
Industry analysts note that the suspension underscores the vulnerability of Gulf aviation networks to regional geopolitical instability, particularly from Yemen-based Houthi forces who have repeatedly targeted Saudi airports and oil facilities since 2015. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has issued a travel advisory urging airlines to conduct dynamic risk assessments before operating in Saudi airspace. Meanwhile, Saudi air defense systems have intercepted multiple projectiles in recent weeks, but the persistent threat has prompted several international carriers to adjust schedules or reroute flights.
For Bangladesh, the disruption carries economic implications beyond immediate travel inconvenience. Remittances from Saudi Arabia constitute the largest single-source inflow for the country, exceeding $4 billion annually. Any prolonged reduction in worker mobility could affect labor deployment cycles and household incomes back home. The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment has engaged diplomatic channels to monitor the situation and ensure the welfare of stranded workers. Biman officials indicate that a review will be conducted before November 4 to determine whether services can resume or require further extension, contingent on security assessments from Saudi authorities and international aviation safety bodies.
Key Highlights
- Biman halts all Dhaka-Dammam and Dhaka-Riyadh flights until November 4 due to Houthi missile strikes on Saudi airports
- Passengers redirected to Jeddah and Medina airports, with extra capacity added on alternative routes
- Over 2.5 million Bangladeshi expatriates in Saudi Arabia affected during peak travel period
- CAAB issues travel advisory; airlines required to conduct dynamic risk assessments for Saudi airspace
- Remittance flows and labor mobility at risk if suspension extends beyond early November
Source: bdnews24.com
Read Full Article
Post a Comment