Saudi-bound Bangladeshi expatriates have been left stranded and uncertain after attacks on Saudi airports forced the cancellation of flights between Dhaka and Riyadh.
Five flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport have so far been cancelled, affecting 2,532 passengers, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).
The cancelled flights include services operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, Saudia, Riyadh Air and SriLankan Airlines.
The disruptions have left passengers unable to travel to Saudi Arabia, while expatriates there are also struggling to return home.
Many passengers travelled long distances from different parts of the country to reach Dhaka airport, only to learn that their flights had been cancelled. Most had booked their tickets through travel agencies in Saudi Arabia and were unsure when or how their travel dates would be rescheduled.
Many are also worried about losing their jobs if they fail to return to their workplaces on time. The cancellations have also increased their transportation, accommodation and food expenses.
Passengers waiting for Riyadh-bound flights were seen at airline counters with their tickets and travel documents, seeking information about their next steps. Others were calling family members amid growing uncertainty over their travel plans.
Akbar Hossain, a Riyadh-bound passenger, said he was scheduled to fly on Saturday but could not travel due to the situation.
“I don't know what to do now. If I cannot return on time, I will face problems. We will be in serious trouble if the situation is not resolved soon,” he said outside the airport's departure terminal.
Sharif Uddin of Brahmanbaria was also scheduled to travel to Riyadh on an IndiGo flight via Mumbai. However, the current situation has left his travel plans uncertain.
Meanwhile, expatriates in Saudi Arabia have also been unable to return to Bangladesh amid the flight disruptions. Airline officials said some passengers were still at the affected airports and had been asked to leave amid the prevailing situation.
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Executive Director SM Ragib Samad said the seven cancelled flights were scheduled to carry 2,532 passengers to Riyadh.
“The concerned airlines are informing the affected passengers. Passengers are requested to contact their respective airlines to confirm their rescheduled travel plans,” he said.
“This is a global crisis. We urge everyone to remain patient and show empathy until the situation returns to normal,” he added.
Earlier, a missile attack by the Houthis on Riyadh's international airport late Saturday night reportedly killed at least 12 people and injured 309 others. The casualties included citizens of Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Sudan, Syria and the United States.
Following the attack, all operations at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport were suspended.
