Dhaka: Saudi Airlines cancelled Wednesday its two flights for fuel crunch as the ongoing river-transport strike cut off oil-supply line, competent sources said.

They said the countrywide indefinite waterway strike is impeding transportation of necessary jet-fuel oil from Chittagong seaport.

One flight was scheduled to take off at 1:oo pm on Dhaka-Riyadh while another at 2:00 pm on Dhaka-Jeddah route.  

Earlier, Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority served a notice asking pilots not to fuel aircraft at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, in view of a looming crisis.

Irfan Ahmed, sales manager of Saudi Airlines, said, “Fuel crisis compelled us to cancel two scheduled flights. If we don’t get fuel, will have to cancel more.”
           
When contacted, Padma Oil’s Deputy General Manager Luthful Bari told banglanews24.com.bd that they were trying their best to overcome the crisis. “We’ll be able to supply sufficient jet fuel by tomorrow,” he added.

High officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh fear the aviation sector has to incur a huge loss if the crisis is not resolved immediately.
 
BDST: 1730 hours 12 May, 2010        
IH/SMS/MUA/