Bangladesh orders airlines to assist passengers stranded by Saudi Arabia flight disruptions

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, known as CAAB, has issued directives to airlines operating direct and transit flights to Saudi Arabia to support passengers affected by widespread flight disruptions, according to reports from The Traveler and The Daily Star. The regulatory order comes after recent attacks on Saudi airports caused security-related disruptions that restricted or closed operations at key facilities. [1][8]

Under the new circulars, airlines must rebook stranded travelers, offer full refunds, and improve communication regarding delays, The Traveler reported. Thousands of passengers traveling between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have experienced delays or stranding as air traffic face adjustments. Prothom Alo English reported that passengers bound for Saudi Arabia are currently using two alternative transit routes to navigate the disruptions caused by Houthi attacks. [1][4]

Flight cancellations across the region continue as global and regional carriers adjust their schedules, according to reporting by Travel Radar and Indian Aviation News Net. Indian carriers have extended their flight cancellations to Saudi destinations as security conditions remain uncertain. [2][3]

Saudi Arabia routes carry heavy volumes of migrant workers, non-resident Bangladeshis, and religious pilgrims. Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the flag carrier of Bangladesh, operates major international services out of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, alongside hubs in Chittagong and Sylhet, with annual Hajj flights and passenger services forming a key part of its operations. [9]