Biman Bangladesh Airlines is working to transport stranded Saudi-bound passengers through alternative routes via Jeddah and Madinah as flight cancellations leave thousands uncertain about their jobs and return journeys.
A total of 13,071 passengers were stranded in Dhaka between Saturday and 1pm Tuesday following the cancellation of 82 flights over four days, including 32 direct flights and 50 connecting flights, according to aviation sources.
The disruptions have caused particular concern among Bangladeshi workers who fear losing their jobs if they cannot reach their workplaces in Saudi Arabia on time. Those whose visas or residency permits, known as iqamas, are nearing expiry face additional uncertainty.
Biman is prioritising alternative travel arrangements for affected passengers, particularly those facing imminent visa expiry, using Jeddah and Madinah as gateways to reach destinations elsewhere in Saudi Arabia.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat told reporters at the Secretariat on Monday that arrangements were being made to send passengers whose visas were about to expire through alternative destinations, including Madinah, to ease their difficulties.
Biman Managing Director and CEO Qaiser Ahmed Sohel said the airline was working to transport stranded passengers through alternative destinations following the suspension of Riyadh-bound flights.
Larger aircraft, alternative routes
Biman, the state-owned national carrier, operates flights to Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah.
With operations disrupted at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport following attacks by Yemen’s Houthis on Saturday, Dammam airport also closed after a further attack on Sunday.
Jeddah and Madinah remain the airline’s available alternatives.
Aviation sources said plans were being considered to deploy a Boeing 777-300ER, with 419 seats, on the Dhaka-Madinah route instead of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which has 271 seats in the configuration, cited by sources.
The move would increase capacity for passengers needing alternative travel arrangements.
Biman has also announced that passengers holding tickets for cancelled Riyadh-bound flights can obtain replacement tickets without additional fees or penalties.
Passengers seek answers
The cancellations have prompted passengers to visit airline sales offices and agents in search of information and alternative arrangements.
On Tuesday, passengers affected by Biman’s cancelled flights crowded the airline’s sales counter near its headquarters. The counter, which is usually less busy, has seen increased footfall since the attacks on King Khalid International Airport.
The crowd at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has eased after flights from Dhaka to Riyadh and Dammam were cancelled through October 17, according to Biman sources.
However, many affected passengers remain anxious about when they will be able to travel.
Shahnur Ahmed, general manager of Biman’s public relations department, told Times of Bangladesh that passengers could use Jeddah and Madinah international airports as alternative gateways for travel to and from Saudi Arabia.
He urged affected passengers to contact their nearest Biman sales centre for information about tickets and travel arrangements.
CAAB issues instructions
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) has issued seven-point instructions to airlines operating from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to support passengers affected by disruptions.
In a letter signed by Group Captain Ragib Samad, executive director of CAAB, airlines were instructed to assist passengers with ticket rebooking and refunds and ensure necessary services for those stranded at the airport.
The instructions also require airlines to inform passengers promptly about cancellations, delays and schedule changes through mobile phone messages, calls, emails, websites and social media.
Airlines have been asked to provide clear information about revised flight schedules, ticket rebooking, refunds and other arrangements.
As the disruption continues, passengers are hoping alternative routes will allow them to reach their destinations before their visas expire or their employment is affected.
Death toll rises as Houthis threaten Saudi oil facilities
Meanwhile, the death toll from the deadly attacks linked to the escalating Saudi-Houthi conflict has risen to at least 18, with more than 300 people injured. Two Bangladeshis were among those killed, while four others were critically injured, according to earlier reports.
Yemen’s Houthi armed group has warned that Saudi Aramco’s oil facilities are “a legitimate target”, escalating concerns over the security of the kingdom’s critical infrastructure.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree issued an evacuation warning to “all employees and citizens present near any facility affiliated with Aramco Oil”.
Saree also renewed the group’s warning to air navigation companies, airlines, travellers and aviation staff operating in Saudi airspace and at the country’s airports, including Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.
Against this backdrop, the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia has urged American nationals to reconsider travelling to the kingdom, citing the risk of drone and missile attacks targeting US interests by Iran and the Iranian-backed Houthis. It also advised against travel to Yemen because of terrorism-related risks.
Meanwhile, the Houthis have reported clashes with Saudi-backed forces in Yemen. Saree said Houthi fighters were confronting those forces in the capital, Sanaa, shortly after reports of explosions in the Houthi-controlled city.
Houthi-linked media outlet Al-Masirah reported on Tuesday that the Saudi-led coalition had carried out air strikes on oil facilities west of Sanaa.
