Dhaka-Riyadh Flights Halted Amid Saudi Airspace Restrictions

Operational Disruptions at King Khalid International Airport

As of October 18, 2026, flight operations between Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Saudi Arabia remain significantly disrupted following regional security incidents that necessitated the closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Although the official closure notice issued by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia expired at midnight Saudi time (3:00 am Bangladesh Standard Time) on October 18, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) reported that no Riyadh-bound flights had departed from Dhaka by that morning.

While some international reports indicated that the Riyadh facility had begun to reopen, the lack of official confirmation from the General Authority of Civil Aviation regarding the full resumption of operations has led to continued instability in flight schedules. Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 corroborated the ongoing service interruptions, showing widespread cancellations affecting regional connectivity.

Impact on Passengers and Carriers

According to the latest figures provided by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, the total number of affected flights involving Bangladesh has reached 118, resulting in travel disruptions for 18,362 passengers. These interruptions present significant challenges for Bangladeshi expatriate workers, many of whom face risks related to visa expirations and job security due to the prolonged inability to travel to Saudi Arabia.

Direct operators have been heavily impacted by the airspace restrictions. Among these carriers, Biman Bangladesh Airlines reported the highest number of affected flights at 19, followed by Saudia with 13, US-Bangla Airlines with 10, and Riyadh Air with 10. Transit operators have also faced extensive logistical challenges, with IndiGo recording 23 affected flights, Emirates 14, Qatar Airways nine, SalamAir seven, flydubai six, Air India six, and EgyptAir one.

Recovery and Future Planning

In response to the indefinite suspension of its Riyadh services, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has initiated contingency planning to manage the backlog of passengers. The carrier currently intends to resume services to Dammam from October 21, 2026, though this remains subject to final approval from relevant airport authorities. The broader regional environment remains strained, with industry reports indicating that approximately 1,500 flights were cancelled across Saudi Arabia within a 48-hour period in mid-October 2026 due to the prevailing security threats. The situation remains fluid as airlines and regulators coordinate to restore normal operations.