Saudi Airport restrictions disrupt 114 flights, affect 17,701 passengers

Dhaka: Restrictions on operations at Saudi Arabia's airports have disrupted 114 direct and transit flights from Dhaka since October 10, affecting 17,701 passengers, according to the latest data from the flight management department of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Of the affected flights, 50 were direct flights to Saudi Arabia, while 64 were transit flights operated by different airlines, according to the data.

Among direct flights, Biman Bangladesh Airlines accounted for 18 cancellations or disruptions, followed by Saudia Airlines with 12, US-Bangla Airlines with 10 and Riyadh Air with 10.

Transit flights operated by IndiGo were the most affected, with 22 flights, followed by Emirates with 14, Qatar Airways with nine, SalamAir with seven, flydubai with six, Air India with five and EgyptAir with one.

The disruptions followed restrictions on airport operations in Saudi Arabia amid security concerns, affecting passengers travelling to the kingdom and those connecting through regional and international hubs.