7 Middle Eastern countries closed their airspace on 28th February due to deteriorating security situation, forcing cancellation of 268 flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport over nine days.

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

Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan shut down airspace amid regional tensions. Move has severely disrupted air travel for Bangladeshi passengers, particularly migrant workers and travellers heading to Gulf destinations.

Flight cancellations began on February 28 with 23 flights grounded. Disruptions escalated sharply with 40 cancellations on 1st March, reaching peak of 46 flights on March 2. Airlines scrapped 39 flights on March 3, followed by 28 on March 4.

Cancellations continued with 36 flights on March 5 and 34 on March 6. From midnight on March 7, another 20 flights were cancelled including services by Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways, Air Arabia, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways and Emirates Airlines.

Major carriers affected include Kuwait Airways with 2 cancelled flights, Jazeera Airways with 2, Air Arabia operating from Sharjah with 6 cancellations, Gulf Air from Bahrain with 2, Qatar Airways with 4 and Emirates Airlines with 4 flights grounded.

Airspace closure has left thousands of Bangladeshi passengers stranded with cancelled bookings and uncertain travel plans. Many migrant workers face potential job complications due to delayed arrivals in Gulf countries.

Airlines have not announced when normal operations will resume, as regional security situation remains fluid. Bangladeshi travellers are advised to check flight status before heading to airport.

Aviation authorities continue monitoring situation closely. Financial impact on airlines and passengers expected to be substantial given scale of disruptions over extended period.