Biman to resume Dhaka-Dammam flights from November 7, Riyadh route stays suspended
Biman Bangladesh Airlines is resuming regular flights on the Dhaka-Dammam-Dhaka route from November 7, after the route was temporarily suspended following recent airstrikes in Saudi Arabia. For security reasons, however, flights on the route will operate only during daytime until further notice.
Biman's public relations department announced the information on Tuesday (November 3). The airline's notice said flights would operate daily on the route from November 7.
On the other hand, considering the security situation, flights on the Dhaka-Riyadh-Dhaka route will remain suspended until further notice. Biman also said there is currently not enough passenger demand on the Riyadh route, as travellers are reaching Saudi Arabia via alternative routes.
Earlier, following the attacks on Saudi Arabian airports, cancellations of Riyadh-bound flights began on October 10. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), a total of 171 Riyadh-bound flights from Dhaka had been cancelled as of November 3, carrying 23,077 passengers.
Kawsar Mahmud, assistant director of CAAB's public relations department, said 94 of the cancelled flights were direct ones. They included 45 flights of Biman Bangladesh, 10 of US-Bangla, 21 of Saudia and 18 of Riyadh Air.
In addition, among the 77 cancelled transit flights were 30 of IndiGo, seven of Salam Air, one of Egypt Air, 14 of Emirates, nine of Qatar Airways, eight of Fly Dubai and eight of Air India.
Kawsar Mahmud said the trend of flight cancellations could continue if the security situation does not return to normal.
Passengers have been asked to contact their nearest Biman Bangladesh Airlines sales office for ticket purchases, bookings and travel-related information.
