Airspace closures across seven Middle Eastern countries have forced cancellation of 528 flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport since February 28, 2026, disrupting travel for thousands of Bangladeshi passengers.

Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan closed their airspace due to deteriorating regional security situation. Flight cancellations began on February 28 with 23 flights and peaked on March 2 with 46 cancellations.

Daily cancellation breakdown shows February 28 recorded 23 flights, March 1 saw 40 cancellations, March 2 witnessed 46 cancellations, March 3 had 39 cancellations, March 4 recorded 32 cancellations, March 5 saw 36 cancellations, March 6 had 34 cancellations, March 7 recorded 28 cancellations, March 8 saw 28 cancellations, March 9 had 33 cancellations, March 10 recorded 32 cancellations, March 11 saw 27 cancellations, March 12 had 28 cancellations, March 13 recorded 25 cancellations, March 14 saw 26 cancellations and March 15 had 23 cancellations.

On March 16, 2026 after midnight, 28 additional flights were cancelled. Affected airlines include Kuwait Airways with 2 flights, Air Arabia Sharjah with 8 flights, Gulf Air Bahrain with 2 flights, Qatar Airways with 4 flights, Emirates Airlines with 2 flights, Jazeera Airways Kuwait with 4 flights, Flydubai with 4 flights and US-Bangla Airlines with 2 flights.

Crisis hits Bangladesh aviation sector during traditionally busy Eid and Umrah season. Thousands of passengers including migrant workers, Umrah pilgrims and tourists face severe travel disruptions. Airlines are offering rescheduling options and refunds to affected passengers.

Regional conflict continues impacting Bangladesh's aviation and tourism sectors with no immediate resolution in sight.