Eight flights operating between Dhaka and Riyadh were disrupted following attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, impacting nearly 3,000 passengers, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (Caab). The airport closure came in the aftermath of attacks allegedly carried out by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The disruptions affected multiple carriers, including three flights run by Saudia Airlines, two by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, two by Riyadh Air, and one by US-Bangla Airlines, as verified through the Flight Management System. The closure led to a suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport until at least 9 p.m. UTC on Sunday, equating to 3 a.m. Bangladesh time on Monday.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines announced the suspension of its scheduled flights BG339 and BG340 on the Dhaka-Riyadh and Riyadh-Dhaka routes for October 11 and 12, as it awaited further developments. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and said it would update passengers about new flight schedules by noon on Monday, Bangladesh time.
The attacks resulted in at least 12 fatalities, including two Bangladeshi nationals, four Saudi citizens, and one each from Palestine, the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Sudan. More than 300 people were reported injured. Two Bangladeshi victims were identified as Md Shahed Ahmed of Bogura and Md Nasrullah Badrupuri from Cumilla. Additionally, four Bangladeshis remained hospitalized in intensive care units. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam confirmed the casualties and assured that the Bangladeshi government would cover the costs of repatriating the deceased.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks, underscoring that assaults threatening civilian lives and targeting civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and demanding their immediate cessation. The ministry reaffirmed Bangladesh’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia in the aftermath of the incident.
The attacks drew widespread international condemnation. Countries including the United States, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Lebanon denounced the strikes. Regional bodies such as the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Muslim World League also released statements condemning the attacks. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that Washington was deliberating on possible involvement in the conflict against the Houthis.
In response to the attack, the Saudi-led coalition accused the Houthis of committing a “fully-fledged war crime” and pledged a robust retaliation. Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi forces called on airlines, travelers, and airport personnel to avoid Saudi airports, heightening tensions in the region and prolonging uncertainty over the resumption of normal flight operations. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as passengers await updates.