Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has experienced a major disruption in international flight operations, with 367 flights cancelled over the past eleven days. The cancellations have been triggered by temporary closures of airspace in several Middle Eastern countries, following escalating regional security concerns.
Countries affected by these restrictions include Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan. As a result, airlines serving Dhaka were forced to suspend flights to these destinations, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and creating a significant logistical challenge for airport authorities and carriers alike.
According to airport officials, the cancellations began on 28 February and have continued almost daily. The number of flights cancelled each day is summarised below:
| Date | Flights Cancelled |
|---|---|
| 28 Feb | 23 |
| 1 Mar | 40 |
| 2 Mar | 46 |
| 3 Mar | 39 |
| 4 Mar | 28 |
| 5 Mar | 36 |
| 6 Mar | 34 |
| 7 Mar | 28 |
| 8 Mar | 28 |
| 9 Mar | 33 |
| 10 Mar (post-midnight) | 32 |
The most recent cancellations, recorded after midnight on 10 March, involve multiple airlines operating on key Middle Eastern routes:
Kuwait Airways – 2 flights
Air Arabia – 4 flights
Gulf Air – 4 flights
Qatar Airways – 4 flights
Emirates – 4 flights
Jazeera Airways – 4 flights
Flydubai – 4 flights
Biman Bangladesh Airlines – 3 flights
US-Bangla Airlines – 3 flights
Airport authorities have warned that flight schedules may remain uncertain until the affected airspace is fully reopened. Airlines have stated that, once the situation stabilises, they will gradually resume previously cancelled services.
Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines prior to travel to confirm flight status and avoid last-minute disruptions. Officials emphasised that communication between passengers, airlines, and airport management is essential in navigating the ongoing crisis efficiently.
This prolonged disruption not only underscores the sensitivity of international air travel to geopolitical developments, but also highlights the complex coordination required between airports and airlines when major regional airspace closures occur. For many passengers, the immediate priority is rebooking and adjusting travel plans, while airlines face the dual challenge of managing operational logistics and maintaining customer confidence in uncertain conditions.
The unfolding situation serves as a reminder that global air travel remains closely linked to regional stability, and that unforeseen security developments can have far-reaching consequences for both passengers and the aviation industry.