AGP Executive Report

Saudi Flight Disruptions: Airport restrictions have affected 103 Bangladesh-linked flights and 15,779 passengers. Biman has suspended Dhaka–Riyadh and Dhaka–Dammam services until October 18, advising urgent travellers to use Jeddah or Madinah. Sajek Access: The road blockade has been paused through October 21, allowing tourists to visit during Durga Puja; organisers warn it could resume if local demands go unmet. Island Tourism: The government will review Saint Martin’s visitor limits and travel season, while Cox’s Bazar International Airport’s launch has been pushed to November. Puja Travel: Bangladesh Railway plans three pairs of special trains for the festival period. New Experiences: Bangladesh is developing its first community-based agro-tourism village, adding a new rural travel option.

Saudi Flight Disruptions: Airport restrictions have disrupted 103 Bangladesh-linked flights to Riyadh and Dammam, affecting 15,779 passengers. Biman has suspended both routes until October 18 and added flights to Jeddah, with extra capacity to Madinah; passengers are advised to check with airlines before travelling. Sajek Access: A blockade on the road to Sajek Valley is suspended from October 16 to 21 for Durga Puja, allowing tourists to visit. Organisers warn the blockade may resume if local demands are not met. Island Tourism: The government plans to review visitor limits and the travel season for Saint Martin’s Island, raising the prospect of changes to future trips. New Tourism Plans: Bangladesh is preparing its first community-based agro-tourism village, while the launch of Cox’s Bazar International Airport has shifted to November. Puja Travel: Bangladesh Railway will run three pairs of special trains for Durga Puja as many people head home for the holiday.

Saudi Travel Disruptions: Airport attacks have affected 100 flights and more than 15,000 passengers from Bangladesh. Biman’s Riyadh and Dammam services are suspended until October 17, leaving pilgrims and other travellers facing delays and rerouting. Saint Martin’s Rules: The government will review the island’s tourist limits and permitted stay duration, potentially changing plans for visitors this season. Italy Connections: Biman may add Dhaka–Italy flights after new aircraft join its fleet; it currently operates six flights a week, with Rome services discussed in talks with Italy’s ambassador. New Tourism Options: Bangladesh is planning its first community-based agro-tourism village, while Sajek Valley remains closed to tourists until further notice.

Saudi Flight Disruptions: Attacks on Saudi airports have affected 89 flights from Dhaka and disrupted travel for 14,655 passengers. Biman has suspended Dhaka–Riyadh and Dhaka–Dammam services until October 17; pilgrims are also facing changed plans and safety concerns. Cox’s Bazar Links: Bangladesh’s tourism minister says the planned opening of Cox’s Bazar International Airport could create scope for direct Himalaya Airlines flights from Nepal, while Nepal has expressed interest in a Dhaka–Pokhara service. Airport Upgrades: The government approved Tk 765.65 crore in contract changes for Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s expansion. Biman may also add Dhaka–Rome flights when new aircraft join its fleet. Island Tourism: The government will review Saint Martin’s visitor limits and permitted stay, as Sajek remains closed to tourists despite a brief suspension of its blockade.

Saudi Flight Disruptions: Airport attacks have disrupted travel from Dhaka, with 62 flights and 9,674 passengers affected. Biman has suspended Dhaka–Riyadh and Dhaka–Dammam services through October 17; CAAB has ordered airlines to update and assist passengers. Saint Martin’s Island: The government is reviewing visitor limits, the tourism season and ship departure points, weighing safety and transport against the island’s fragile ecosystem. More Connections: Oman Air plans to add a weekly widebody service to Dhaka from October 25 as part of its expanded winter schedule. Tourism Development: Bangladesh is building its first community-based agro-tourism village, while Cox’s Bazar’s international airport launch has been pushed to November.

Island Tourism: Bangladesh will review Saint Martin’s visitor cap, tourism season and overnight-stay rules, weighing conservation, safety, transport and the island’s capacity before setting plans for 2026–27. Flight Disruptions: Saudi airport closures have affected 61 Bangladesh-linked flights and 8,381 passengers; CAAB has told airlines to update travellers, arrange rebooking or refunds and assist those stranded. Air Connectivity: Oman Air’s winter schedule, starting October 25, adds a weekly widebody flight to Dhaka and expands services across Europe, giving travellers more options. Travel Infrastructure: The planned elevated Dhaka–Cumilla railway could cut 80km from the rail route to Chattogram and save up to two hours, while Cox’s Bazar International Airport’s launch has been pushed to November. Tourist Access: Sajek remains closed to visitors despite a temporary suspension of the blockade, leaving travel plans to the hill destination uncertain.

Saudi Flight Disruptions: Attacks on Saudi airports have suspended 61 flights to and from Bangladesh, leaving 8,381 passengers in uncertainty. Riyadh airport is closed until October 17, and US-Bangla has suspended Riyadh services through October 21. Saint Martin’s Island: The government is reviewing visitor limits, stay duration and boat departure points, with conservation, safety and the island’s capacity guiding decisions. Rural Tourism: Construction has begun on Bangladesh’s first community-based agro-tourism village in Bogura, combining farms with a 100-room resort and visitor facilities. Domestic Travel: Sajek remains closed to tourists, while Cox’s Bazar International Airport’s launch has been pushed to November. Bangladesh Railway also plans three pairs of special trains for Durga Puja.

Saudi Travel Disruptions: Riyadh airport is closed until October 17 after deadly attacks, disrupting 51 flights serving Bangladesh and affecting 5,418 passengers. Bangladesh says affected travelers may be rerouted via Dammam or Madinah at no extra cost, subject to seats. Saint Martin’s Island: The government will review visit duration, visitor limits and boat departure points, while keeping conservation rules in place. Travelers will need QR-coded passes and tickets from approved portals. Cox’s Bazar: The international airport’s launch has shifted to November, delaying plans for direct international services. Sajek Valley: The tourist destination remains closed until further notice.

Gulf Travel Disruption: Fresh attacks on Riyadh airport have killed two Bangladeshis and injured 24, including Umrah pilgrims and migrant workers. Around 500 Bangladeshi passengers were stranded; the embassy arranged accommodation and alternative routes, while Biman has suspended Dhaka–Riyadh flights. Travellers should check with airlines before heading to Saudi airports. Sajek Closure: Rangamati authorities have closed Sajek to visitors until further notice and asked tourists there to leave by 5pm on October 13. Pujo Rail Travel: Bangladesh Railway will run extra services, including special Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar trains, from October 20 to 24 to handle Durga Puja travel demand.

Riyadh Travel Alert: The airport was struck again on Sunday and remains closed after Saturday’s attack killed 12 people, including two Bangladeshis, and injured more than 300. Biman has suspended Dhaka–Riyadh flights until further notice; travellers should check with airlines before departure. Sajek Closure: Rangamati authorities have shut the tourist area until further notice and asked visitors to leave by October 13. Puja Travel: Bangladesh Railway plans six special trains on Dhaka–Chattogram and Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar routes during the five-day holiday, alongside extra bus services and train coaches. Airport Plans: The government says it will soon study the feasibility of building an international airport in Trishal, Mymensingh.

Riyadh Travel Disruption: An attack on King Khalid International Airport killed 12 people, including two Bangladeshis, and injured 309. Airport operations were suspended and flights disrupted; travellers should check with airlines before heading to the airport. Biman Update: Biman suspended Dhaka–Riyadh flights until further notice amid the disruption. Cox’s Bazar Crowds: Large numbers of visitors flocked to the beach over the weekend, bringing a busy spell for the country’s top seaside destination. Fleet Expansion: Biman confirmed an order for 10 Airbus aircraft, a major step in plans to expand its fleet.

Flight Disruptions: Biman has suspended Dhaka–Riyadh flights until further notice after Riyadh airport halted inbound services; passengers should not head to the airport and should check with the airline for updates. Cox’s Bazar: Holiday crowds returned to the beach, with lifeguards on alert and red flags raised as sea conditions required caution. Staying Connected: Banglalink’s Starlink-powered satellite-to-mobile service is now available in Bangladesh, offering a backup connection for travellers in remote and coastal areas, including during emergencies. Aviation Growth: Biman has signed a deal for 10 Airbus aircraft, a planned fleet expansion that could support future travel links. Sundarbans Stays: The Department of Environment has ordered 24 resorts near the Sundarbans to close, affecting tourism businesses in the area.

Cox’s Bazar: Holiday crowds filled Kolatoli, Sugandha and Laboni beaches as the weather improved; lifeguards stayed alert and red flags warned swimmers about sea conditions. Sundarbans Stays: The Department of Environment ordered 24 resorts near the Sundarbans to close, affecting accommodation options for visitors. Kuakata Alert: Tourists are wary of discoloured, “petrol-coloured” water along the beach. Getting Around: Sylhet train passengers must match their ticket names with their NID from October 12, under stricter checks announced by the deputy commissioner. Air Travel: Biman Bangladesh confirmed an order for 10 Airbus aircraft, with the government aiming for deliveries to begin before 2030. Chattogram on Two Wheels: The city opened Bangladesh’s first dedicated cycle track, while its mayor called for international air links to help develop it as a tourism hub. Travel Money: Money changers can now sell up to $3,000 against an outbound traveller’s entitlement.

Chattogram Cycling: Bangladesh’s first dedicated cycle track has opened along 2.2km of Airport Road, with officials promising more routes and walking spaces. Rail Travel: From October 12, Sylhet train passengers will face checks to ensure ticket names match their national ID, part of a crackdown on ticket irregularities. Air Connectivity: Biman has signed a deal for 10 Airbus aircraft, with the government hoping deliveries will begin before 2030. Travel Money: Money changers can now sell outbound travellers up to $3,000 against their travel entitlement. Sundarbans Stays: The Environment Department has ordered 24 resorts near the Sundarbans to close.

Tourism Development: Chattogram’s mayor called for restored international air links, stronger tourism infrastructure and better coordination to help the city become a tourism hub. Aviation: Biman signed an order for 10 Airbus jets—four A350s and six A321neos—with deliveries expected from around 2033. Outbound Travel: Bangladesh Bank raised the limit money changers can sell to travellers from US$2,000 to US$3,000 per transaction, within annual travel entitlements. Regional Connectivity: Bangladesh and Indonesia discussed simplifying visa procedures, restoring visa-on-arrival for Bangladeshis and launching direct flights. Visitor Safety: Kuakata tourists have raised concerns about discoloured water, while authorities ordered 24 resorts near the Sundarbans to close.

Travel Money: Bangladesh Bank has raised the cash limit for outbound travellers to buy US dollars from licensed money changers to $3,000, up from $2,000, against their annual travel entitlement. Chattogram Tourism: Mayor Shahadat Hossain says restoring international air links and improving coordination and infrastructure are key to making Chattogram a tourism hub. Regional Connections: Bangladesh and Indonesia discussed simpler visa procedures, restoring visa-on-arrival for Bangladeshis and launching direct flights, alongside better facilities and safety for tourists. Sundarbans Stays: The environment department has ordered 24 resorts near the Sundarbans to close or remove structures over alleged environmental violations, including lack of clearance and damage to protected areas. Kuakata Water: Tourists have raised concerns about discoloured tap and tubewell water; officials say laboratory tests are needed to determine whether it is safe. Biman’s Fleet: Biman has ordered 10 Airbus aircraft to modernise its fleet and support network growth, though deliveries are expected to begin around 2033.