Passengers urged to use alternative routes

 
Passengers stranded by flight disruptions at Saudi Arabian airports have been urged to use alternative routes, with 103 direct and transit flights suspended, affecting 15,779 travellers in last five days.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended all flights on its Dhaka-Dammam and Dhaka-Riyadh routes until October 18 amid security-related disruptions at Saudi airports following attacks.

103 flights suspended in 5 days, affecting 15,779 travelers

For passengers who need to travel urgently, Jeddah and Madinah airports have been suggested as alternatives.

To accommodate affected passengers, Biman has replaced its Boeing 787 aircraft with a Boeing 777 on the Madinah route, adding 148 seats per flight. The airline has also arranged three additional flights to Jeddah.

Of the 103 suspended flights, 42 were direct flights and 61 were transit flights, affecting a total of 15,779 passengers.

Among the direct flights, Biman Bangladesh Airlines accounted for 17, US-Bangla Airlines 10, Saudia eight and Riyadh Air seven.

The suspended transit flights included 22 operated by IndiGo, 14 by Emirates, eight by Qatar Airways, seven by SalamAir, six by flydubai, three by Air India and one by EgyptAir.

The disruptions have raised concerns among Bangladeshi migrant workers travelling to Saudi Arabia, particularly those facing visa expiry deadlines.

Passengers have been advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and contact their respective airlines for updated schedules and alternative travel arrangements.