153 Saudi-bound flights cancelled from Dhaka, Gulf hubs disrupted, new Umrah and Malaysia visa rules, India tourist visas back — here is what every Bangladeshi traveller should check before flying this winter.
Last updated: · By MDH Holidays travel desk
Quick answer: what to check before you fly
Flights between Dhaka and Riyadh or Dammam are heavily disrupted after attacks on Saudi airports, and several Gulf airlines have cut Saudi routes into November. Umrah travellers face stricter booking and timing rules, Malaysia has narrowed multiple-entry visas, and India is issuing tourist visas again. Confirm your flight with the airline before leaving home and keep your visa paperwork tight.
- Saudi flights: 153 flights from Dhaka cancelled or suspended, with 22,636 passengers stranded as of 28 October 2026.
- Biman and US-Bangla: Dammam and Riyadh suspended (Biman until 4 November, US-Bangla until 31 October). Jeddah and Madinah remain options for urgent travel.
- Gulf transit: Emirates and Etihad have cancelled several Saudi routes; check codeshares and connections.
- Umrah 2026–27: Visas now lapse 30 days after issue if unused, and a Nusuk hotel and transport booking is required first.
- India: Regular tourist visas for Bangladeshis restarted on 28 June 2026 at five visa centres.
- Malaysia: Since 1 September 2026, multiple-entry visas cover only business, medical, cruise and wedding trips.
- Dhaka Terminal 3: Officials are targeting a limited soft opening on 16 December 2026.
Need to rebook or reroute? Talk to MDH Holidays or browse safer winter options in our holiday packages.
1153 Dhaka–Saudi flights cancelled: who is affected?
Attacks on airports in several Saudi cities have forced airlines to cancel or suspend 153 flights out of Dhaka, according to bdnews24 on 28 October 2026. Direct flights hit include Biman (33), Saudia (20), Riyadh Air (13) and US-Bangla (10). Transit flights on IndiGo, Emirates, Qatar Airways, flydubai, Air India and SalamAir were also affected.
Biman has suspended all Dammam and Riyadh flights until 4 November, and US-Bangla has cancelled both routes through 31 October. Both airlines say passengers with urgent travel can use Jeddah or Madinah airports instead.
2Gulf transit hubs: Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha connections
Gulf airports remain open, but Saudi connections are patchy. Etihad has cancelled Abu Dhabi flights to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam until 5 November, and Emirates has cancelled Dubai flights to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam while Dubai–Madinah largely operates (Gulf News).
Leisure travel through the UAE is still growing. Departing seat capacity reached 7.2 million in October, up 23% from June, as the winter season begins.
3Umrah 2026–27: the new visa rules every pilgrim must know
For the 1448 AH season, an Umrah visa now lapses 30 days after it is issued if you have not entered Saudi Arabia, down from 90 days. Before a visa is issued, you need a confirmed Nusuk-approved hotel in Makkah or Madinah, pre-booked ground transport and a booking reference number (Wego).
Every pilgrim must also register on Nusuk, which handles permits, mosque entry and Rawdah slots. Once in the country, you can still stay up to 90 days.
4India tourist visas are back for Bangladeshis
India restarted regular tourist-visa processing for Bangladeshi nationals on 28 June 2026, after nearly two years in which only medical and emergency visas were issued. Applications go through five Indian Visa Application Centres, with capped quotas at first. Applicants must upload hotel bookings and return-ticket evidence (VisaHQ News).
5Malaysia limits multiple-entry visas to four purposes
Since 1 September 2026, Malaysia’s multiple-entry visa covers only business, fly-and-cruise, medical treatment and wedding travel. Ordinary holidays and family visits no longer qualify, so tourists generally need a single-entry visa (VisasNews).
6Dhaka airport Terminal 3: soft opening targeted for 16 December
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s third terminal, ceremonially opened in October 2023, has still not handled regular passengers. Officials are aiming for a limited soft opening on 16 December, once an operating agreement with a Japanese company is signed. Terminal 3 would lift capacity from about 8 million to about 20 million passengers a year (Dhaka Tribune).
If your flight is cancelled: a 6-step plan
- Check status before leaving home. Use the airline’s app or website, not only the airport board.
- Find out who operates your flight. On codeshares, the operating airline handles changes.
- Ask for options in writing. Request rerouting (for example via Jeddah or Madinah), a free date change or a refund.
- Protect your visa dates. Make sure a new date still fits your visa validity, especially the 30-day Umrah entry window.
- Keep every receipt. Save tickets, emails and extra costs for refund or insurance claims.
- Book through a licensed agency. An ATAB or TOAB member can rebook for you and track refunds.
Frequently asked questions
Are flights from Dhaka to Saudi Arabia cancelled?
Many are. As of 28 October 2026, 153 Dhaka flights linked to Saudi Arabia were cancelled or suspended. Biman has suspended Dammam and Riyadh until 4 November, and US-Bangla until 31 October. Jeddah and Madinah remain options for urgent travel.
Can I still fly to Dubai from Dhaka?
Yes. UAE airports are operating, though some flights face delays. Check your airline’s app before travelling, especially if your trip connects onward to Saudi Arabia.
How long is an Umrah visa valid for in 2026–27?
You must enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of the visa being issued. Once inside, you can stay up to 90 days, and all pilgrims must leave by 7 April 2027.
Is India issuing tourist visas to Bangladeshis now?
Yes. Regular tourist visas restarted on 28 June 2026 through five Indian Visa Application Centres. Applicants need hotel bookings and a return ticket.
Can Bangladeshis get a Malaysia multiple-entry tourist visa?
Not for ordinary tourism. Since 1 September 2026, the multiple-entry visa covers only business, fly-and-cruise, medical and wedding travel. Tourists generally need a single-entry visa.
When will Dhaka airport’s Terminal 3 open?
Officials are targeting a limited soft opening on 16 December 2026, depending on an operating agreement with a Japanese company.