159 Flights Cancelled on Bangladesh–Saudi Route, 22,721 Passengers Stranded

Flight cancellations on the Bangladesh–Saudi Arabia route are mounting as restrictions continue at various airports in Saudi Arabia. By Friday (October 30), a total of 159 flights — 82 direct and 77 transit — had been cancelled, leaving 22,721 passengers stranded, according to the latest estimate from ASM Squadron Leader Shakib of the Flight Management Department.

Among the cancelled direct flights, Biman Bangladesh Airlines accounted for 37, US-Bangla Airlines for 10, Saudia for 20, and Riyadh Airlines for 15. Passengers who had booked tickets on these flights are now waiting to change their travel dates and secure alternative flights, according to reports.

Thousands of travellers heading to Saudi Arabia or hoping to return to Bangladesh from the kingdom have been severely affected. Many are visiting airports and ticketing offices in search of alternatives, with no certainty about when the situation will return to normal.

Expatriate Bangladeshi workers are particularly anxious, fearing they will miss their workplace joining dates and that their visas may expire. A large share of the affected ticket holders are migrant workers, reports say. Saudi Arabia is one of Bangladesh's biggest labour markets, and prolonged disruption could also affect remittance flows.

Authorities have yet to provide details on alternative arrangements for the stranded passengers.