Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is facing significant disruption after several Middle Eastern countries temporarily closed their airspace amid escalating security concerns.
Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan suspended flight operations through their skies from the afternoon of 28 February, triggering a wave of cancellations affecting Bangladesh-bound and outbound flights.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), a total of 173 flights have been cancelled over five days, including 25 cancellations on Wednesday alone.
Breakdown of cancellations shows 23 flights were called off on 28 February, followed by 40 on 1 March, 46 on 2 March and 39 on 3 March.
On Wednesday, the affected carriers included Qatar Airways (4 flights), Emirates Airlines (5), Kuwait Airways (2), Jazeera Airways (2), Air Arabia from Sharjah (8) and US-Bangla Airlines (4).
Meanwhile, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has announced the suspension of its services to several key Middle Eastern destinations until 5 March. The affected routes include Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah in the UAE; Dammam in Saudi Arabia; Doha in Qatar; and Kuwait.
Aviation officials say further disruptions will depend on how long regional airspace restrictions remain in place, leaving passengers bracing for continued uncertainty in the coming days.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
