20 flights were cancelled from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka airport) today following continued airspace closure by 7 Middle Eastern countries amid ongoing regional security crisis.

This was informed through a press release sent by Muhammad Kawsar Mahmud, Assistant Director (Public Relations) of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

Cancellations from midnight on March 7 include Kuwait Airways with 2 flights, Jazeera Airways with 2, Air Arabia operating from Sharjah with 6, Gulf Air from Bahrain with 2, Qatar Airways with 4 and Emirates Airlines with 4 flights.

Today's disruptions bring total flight cancellations to 268 since regional crisis began on February 28. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan closed their airspace due to deteriorating security situation.

Air Arabia faced heaviest impact today with 6 cancelled flights to Sharjah, followed by Qatar Airways and Emirates with 4 cancellations each. Gulf carriers dominate affected routes as they serve major transit hubs for Bangladeshi travellers.

Crisis has severely disrupted travel for thousands of passengers over past nine days. Flight cancellations started with 23 on February 28, peaked at 46 on March 2, and have continued daily since.

Migrant workers heading to Gulf countries face particular hardship, with many risking job complications due to delayed arrivals. Bangladeshi passengers with cancelled bookings remain stranded with uncertain travel plans.

Airlines have not announced resumption dates as Middle East security situation remains unpredictable. Aviation authorities continue monitoring developments closely while advising passengers to verify flight status before airport departure.

Financial losses for airlines and passengers are mounting as disruptions enter second week. Today’s 20 cancellations add to weeklong pattern affecting major Gulf carriers serving Dhaka routes.