Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport witnessed significant disruption on Sunday as dense morning fog prevented eight flights from landing at their intended destination. The airport authorities confirmed that, in the interest of passenger safety and secure operations, the affected flights were diverted to alternative airports.
According to official sources, six flights were redirected to Sylhet International Airport, one to Kolkata, and one to Hanoi. The diversions began in the early hours and continued until weather conditions improved, causing temporary delays in flight schedules and inconvenience for travellers.
A senior airport official stated, “Passenger safety is our top priority. Diverting flights during low-visibility conditions is a standard operational measure. Once visibility improves, all flights are expected to resume their normal routes without incident.”
The temporary disruption led to increased monitoring and coordination among air traffic controllers to manage the altered flight paths. Airport staff were deployed to assist diverted passengers, provide accommodation where necessary, and ensure smooth communication regarding new landing arrangements.
Flight Diversions at a Glance
| Flight Number | Intended Destination | Diversion Airport |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dhaka | Sylhet International Airport |
| 2 | Dhaka | Sylhet International Airport |
| 3 | Dhaka | Sylhet International Airport |
| 4 | Dhaka | Sylhet International Airport |
| 5 | Dhaka | Sylhet International Airport |
| 6 | Dhaka | Sylhet International Airport |
| 7 | Dhaka | Kolkata Airport |
| 8 | Dhaka | Hanoi Airport |
Aviation experts have emphasised that fog-related diversions are a routine safety measure and that passengers should remain patient during adverse weather. The authorities also assured that all operations would return to normal as soon as visibility permits.
Despite the temporary inconvenience, airport officials praised their teams for handling the situation efficiently, highlighting the importance of preemptive safety measures. Regular passengers have been advised to check flight updates in advance and allow extra time for travel during periods of dense fog.
With winter fog common in the region, such diversions are expected to occur sporadically, reinforcing the critical role of vigilant air traffic management and proactive passenger support.