The ongoing conflict and heightened tensions in the Middle East have caused widespread disruption to international air travel, significantly affecting Bangladesh. Over the past 17 days, a total of 528 international flights departing from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka have been cancelled. The cancellations follow the closure of airspace by several Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan.
Airport officials report that the number of cancelled flights has steadily increased from 28 February to 16 March, with daily cancellations reflecting the escalating regional instability. A breakdown of cancellations during this period is presented below:
| Date | Cancelled Flights |
|---|---|
| 28 February | 23 |
| 1 March | 40 |
| 2 March | 46 |
| 3 March | 39 |
| 4 March | 32 |
| 5 March | 36 |
| 6 March | 34 |
| 7 March | 28 |
| 8 March | 28 |
| 9 March | 33 |
| 10 March | 32 |
| 11 March | 27 |
| 12 March | 28 |
| 13 March | 25 |
| 14 March | 26 |
| 15 March | 23 |
The repeated cancellations have had a profound impact on Bangladesh’s tourism, business activities, and international connectivity. Airlines and tour operators have described managing passenger refunds and arranging alternative flights as increasingly challenging. Many travellers heading to the Middle East have reported frustration, with long-awaited travel plans disrupted and costly delays incurred.
Airport authorities emphasised that these measures were unavoidable for safety reasons, as planned flight operations could not be executed due to the restricted airspace. Several international carriers have also had to reroute flights, resulting in increased operational costs and extended travel times for passengers.
Aviation analysts warn that if the conflict persists, the impact on international flight operations could become more long-term. Experts suggest that Bangladesh and other affected countries must prepare alternative routes and contingency plans to minimise inconvenience to passengers and ensure continuity in international travel.
In summary, the cancellation of 528 flights within 17 days represents a significant setback for Bangladesh’s global connectivity. The resumption of normal flight schedules remains uncertain and will largely depend on developments in the Middle East’s political and security situation.