Ongoing security concerns in the Middle East have once again disrupted air travel, leading to the cancellation of 28 flights at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday, 12 March. The cancellations follow a temporary closure of airspace by several countries in the region, including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan, which was first announced on 28 February due to escalating geopolitical tensions.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) reported that the airspace restrictions have severely affected flights between Dhaka and destinations in the Middle East. The disruption has led to hundreds of flights being cancelled since the initial closure, with passengers experiencing delays, reroutings, and limited alternative options.
A summary of cancelled flights from Dhaka since the airspace restrictions were imposed is presented below:
| Date | Number of Flights Cancelled |
|---|---|
| 28 February | 23 |
| 1 March | 40 |
| 2 March | 46 |
| 3 March | 39 |
| 4 March | 28 |
| 5 March | 36 |
| 6 March | 34 |
| 7 March | 28 |
| 8 March | 28 |
| 9 March | 33 |
| 10 March | 32 |
| 11 March | 27 |
| 12 March | 28 |
| Total | 423 |
Thursday’s cancellations included flights operated by several regional and international carriers. Kuwait Airways had four flights cancelled, while Air Arabia (Sharjah, UAE) also cancelled four. Gulf Air (Bahrain) cancelled two flights, Qatar Airways cancelled four, and Emirates Airlines (UAE) cancelled four flights. Additionally, Jazeera Airways (Kuwait) cancelled four flights, FlyDubai (UAE) cancelled two, and US-Bangla Airlines (Bangladesh) cancelled four, bringing the total for the day to 28 flights.
Airline authorities have urged passengers to verify the status of their flights before travelling and to make alternative arrangements where necessary. Many carriers are providing refunds, rebooking options, and additional support for affected passengers.
Experts warn that as long as the Middle East remains in a state of heightened tension, air traffic between Bangladesh and the affected countries will continue to face disruptions. While authorities are monitoring the situation closely, travellers are advised to remain vigilant and plan for potential delays in their schedules.
The continued suspension of flights highlights the broader impact of regional instability on international travel, affecting not only passenger mobility but also cargo transport and airline operations. As diplomatic negotiations progress, officials hope that airspace restrictions will be lifted in the near future, allowing flights to resume safely and regularly.