Around 10,000 Passengers Stranded as 61 Dhaka–Riyadh Flights Cancelled

Around 10,000 passengers have been affected after 61 flights between Dhaka and Riyadh were cancelled following the closure of King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital amid repeated attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militants.

Of the flights cancelled between Saturday and early Tuesday, 22 were direct services and 39 were connecting flights, according to sources involved in flight management at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Among the cancelled direct flights, nine were operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, two by US-Bangla Airlines, four by Saudia and seven by Riyadh Air.

The 39 affected connecting flights included 16 operated by IndiGo, nine by Emirates, five by Qatar Airways, five by flydubai, three by SalamAir and one by EgyptAir. Passengers on these services were scheduled to reach Riyadh through various transit hubs. However, after onward flights to the Saudi capital were cancelled, the airlines did not transport the Riyadh-bound passengers from Dhaka.

King Khalid International Airport was closed on Sunday following an attack by Iran-backed Houthi militants. Reports indicate that the airport has come under attack at least five times over the past week. Three Saudi nationals, including a pilot, were killed in an attack last Thursday.

The Houthis reportedly targeted airport infrastructure and a Saudia aircraft during the incident. The pilot is believed to have been killed in the strike on the aircraft.

Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen and the Saudi-led military coalition have been engaged in a series of attacks and counterattacks for nearly two months, with Riyadh airport emerging as a key target.

The Houthis had previously warned airlines against operating through Saudi airspace, threatening severe consequences for carriers that continued their operations.

The latest disruption has significantly affected air connectivity between Bangladesh and Riyadh, leaving thousands of passengers uncertain about their travel plans. Those affected include migrant workers and other travellers who rely on the route for travel between the two countries.