Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport witnessed the cancellation of 38 flights to the Middle East on 3 March, as airlines suspended operations due to escalating political tensions and security concerns in the region.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) confirmed that these measures were taken to ensure passenger safety amid heightened aerial risks. Muhammad Kausar Mahmud, Assistant Director (Public Relations) of CAAB, told the media that the ongoing unrest in Middle Eastern airspace since late February has already led to the cancellation of a total of 147 international flights.
International Flight Cancellations from Dhaka (28 Feb – 3 Mar)
| Date | Cancelled Flights |
|---|---|
| 28 February | 23 |
| 1 March | 40 |
| 2 March | 46 |
| 3 March | 38 |
| Total | 147 |
Among today’s cancelled flights, the distribution across various airlines is as follows:
Airline-wise Flight Cancellations (3 March)
| Airline | Cancelled Flights |
|---|---|
| Qatar Airways | 4 |
| Emirates | 4 |
| Gulf Air (Bahrain) | 4 |
| Flydubai | 4 |
| Kuwait Airways | 2 |
| Jazeera Airways (Kuwait) | 4 |
| Air Arabia | 12 |
| US-Bangla Airlines | 4 |
Flights to Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Dubai remain suspended, while operations on other international routes have continued as scheduled. Airport authorities are closely monitoring the situation and providing passengers with timely updates, alternative flight options, and guidance on route adjustments.
Similar disruptions have been reported at Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport, where 35 international flights were cancelled by 7 am on Tuesday, mostly to Middle Eastern destinations. Passengers are advised to consult airline representatives or visit airport counters to revise their travel plans.
CAAB emphasised that these cancellations and schedule adjustments are precautionary, aimed at safeguarding travellers and mitigating any security risks. The current situation may result in further cancellations or rescheduling over the coming days. Passengers are urged to follow official updates and exercise caution while planning travel.
Despite the inconvenience caused to international passengers, these measures play a crucial role in maintaining aviation safety and preventing potential threats in volatile airspace.