Flight cancellations at Saudi Arabian airports have left more than 5,400 passengers stranded over the past three days, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB). The disruptions have affected a total of 51 flights, including both direct and transit services operating from Bangladesh.

The CAAB reported that among the 12 direct flights impacted were four operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, two by US-Bangla Airlines, three by Saudia Airlines, and three by Riyadh Airways. Additionally, transit flights were severely affected, with 39 cancellations across various carriers including IndiGo (16), SalamAir (3), EgyptAir (1), Emirates (9), Qatar Airways (5), and flydubai (5).

The suspension of flight operations at Riyadh airport, where most of the stranded passengers remain, has compounded difficulties for migrant workers and others traveling to Saudi Arabia for employment or returning home. The halt has exacerbated ongoing challenges faced by migrant workers in the Middle East region, where recent conflicts have already disrupted job prospects and remittance inflows.

Shama, a spokesperson familiar with the migrant worker situation, noted that the disruption has contributed to job losses and forced returns, while others continue to face uncertainty over their employment status in the region. These factors have further strained financial remittances sent back to Bangladesh.

Despite the travel crisis, Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the bilateral ties between the two countries amid the current difficulties. Efforts to resolve the restrictions and resume normal flight schedules remain ongoing, though no specific timeline has been provided.