Bangladesh Embassy in Kuwait is working to establish flight operations between Kuwait and Dhaka through Saudi Arabia’s Dammam and Qaisumah airports as airspace remains closed due to ongoing Gulf conflict.

Counsellor Mohammad Moniuzzaman announced the initiative in a notice posted on embassy’s official Facebook page on Tuesday (March 24). All international flights to and from Kuwait remain suspended as government keeps airspace closed due to war situation.

Embassy is coordinating with Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Civil Aviation Authority, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways to operate flights using nearby Saudi airports. Civil Aviation Authority has already granted Kuwait Airways approval to operate flights between Bangladesh and Kuwait from Dammam International Airport.

Biggest challenge remains obtaining transit visas for Bangladeshi expatriates living in Kuwait to enter Saudi Arabia. Embassy continues discussions with airlines to simplify this process.

Jazeera Airways has already launched flights from Qaisumah airport to Sri Lanka on March 17 and to India on March 20 for commercial reasons. Airline plans to start Kuwait-Lahore flights from March 29. Jazeera arranges Saudi visas, check-in services at designated Kuwait locations, bus transport to Kuwait-Saudi border, immigration clearance and onward journey to Qaisumah airport for passengers.

Embassy has requested Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways to provide similar arrangements for Bangladeshi expatriates. Embassy expects flights between Kuwait and Bangladesh will begin soon through coordination with relevant authorities.

For expatriates with urgent travel needs, embassy announced on March 18 that arrangements are being made for independent land travel to Saudi Arabia to obtain transit visas for onward destinations.