Biman Extends Suspension of Dammam, Riyadh Flights Until November 4

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has extended the suspension of flights on the Dhaka-Dammam and Dhaka-Riyadh routes until 4 November amid ongoing Houthi attacks targeting airports in Saudi Arabia.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, the national flag carrier said the decision was taken to ensure passenger safety. Biman had previously suspended flights to Dammam until 25 October and to Riyadh until 31 October.

The airline said passengers needing to travel to or from Saudi Arabia in emergencies could use Jeddah and Madinah international airports as alternative gateways.

To meet passenger demand, Biman has been operating two daily flights from Dhaka to Jeddah since 16 October. The additional services will continue until 4 November, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, regular flights on the Dhaka-Madinah route are continuing with Boeing 787 aircraft.

Biman said further decisions regarding the suspended routes and any changes to flight schedules would be announced later. Passengers have been advised to contact their nearest Biman Bangladesh Airlines sales centre for ticketing and travel-related information.

The airline initially suspended flights to Riyadh and Dammam until 17 October following an attack on King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital. The suspension was subsequently extended as security concerns persisted.

Biman had initially planned to resume flights to Dammam on 21 October but postponed the restart by a day, announcing that services would resume on 22 October. A flight departed Dhaka at around 8am that day and arrived in Dammam.

However, on 22 October, the airline again suspended flights on both routes, extending the Dammam suspension until 25 October and the Riyadh suspension until 31 October following further Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia.

On 25 October, Biman announced another extension, suspending flights to both Dammam and Riyadh until 4 November.