The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has directed airlines operating direct and transit flights to Saudi Arabia to promptly inform passengers about flight cancellations, delays and schedule changes and arrange rebooking, refunds and other necessary assistance amid security-related disruptions at Saudi airports.
In a press release issued on Monday (October 12), CAAB also instructed airlines to guide passengers requiring visa extensions or other immigration-related support to the relevant Saudi authorities, the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka and other concerned agencies.
Passengers have been advised not to travel to the airport without first confirming their flight status.
The directive was signed by Group Captain SM Ragib Samad, executive director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA).
CAAB asked airlines to notify affected passengers through SMS, phone calls, emails, websites, social media and other available communication channels.
Airlines must provide clear information about revised departure times, rebooking procedures, refunds and other applicable arrangements, the statement said.
The authority stressed that passengers already at HSIA, as well as those arriving without prior knowledge of the disruptions, must not be left unattended.
Airlines have been instructed to arrange seating, drinking water, refreshments, meals and other essential support when necessary, with special attention to elderly passengers, children, people with disabilities and other vulnerable travellers.
Each airline must designate a responsible focal point, supported by adequate staff, to coordinate flight updates, passenger assistance and operational arrangements with airport authorities.
Airlines have also been asked to immediately provide the focal points' contact details to HSIA Flight Management and ensure their availability throughout the disruptions.
The disruptions have raised concerns among Bangladeshi migrant workers travelling to Saudi Arabia, particularly those whose visas are nearing expiry while they remain stranded in Bangladesh.
CAAB has instructed airlines to direct affected passengers to the relevant Saudi authorities and the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka for visa extensions and other immigration-related assistance.
State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque said on October 13 that the government was holding bilateral discussions with Saudi Arabia to extend the visas of stranded workers so they could travel and join their workplaces.
He acknowledged that negotiations had become difficult following a recent security incident in Riyadh but expressed hope for a resolution.
CAAB has instructed all concerned airlines to implement the directives immediately and maintain close coordination with HSIA Flight Management to minimise passenger hardship and safeguard travellers' welfare.
