Middle Eastern airspace closures due to security concerns have disrupted operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), with 102 flights cancelled over three days since February 28 afternoon.

Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan temporarily closed their airspace on 28th February due to regional tensions, directly impacting Dhaka operations. Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) confirmed cancellations affected multiple airlines serving Middle Eastern destinations.

On Monday (March 2), 39 flights were cancelled, adding to 23 cancellations on 28th February and 40 on March 1. Disruptions affected both international carriers and Bangladeshi airlines operating Middle Eastern routes.

Monday's cancelled flights included 4 Qatar Airways services, 5 Emirates Airlines flights, 2 Gulf Air operations from Bahrain, and 4 Flydubai services from UAE. Kuwait Airways cancelled 2 flights while Air Arabia from Sharjah suspended 8 services.

Bangladeshi carriers faced significant disruptions with Biman Bangladesh Airlines cancelling 4 flights and US-Bangla Airlines suspending 10 services. Airlines have been forced to reschedule operations and accommodate stranded passengers.

Flight operations have resumed on routes excluding Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai. However, uncertainty continues as Middle Eastern nations maintain airspace restrictions pending security assessments.

Bangladesh’s aviation sector heavily depends on Middle Eastern connectivity, with thousands of migrant workers, business travellers and tourists using these routes daily. Lakhs of Bangladeshi expatriates work across Gulf nations, making these flight cancellations particularly disruptive.

Airlines are working to provide alternative arrangements for affected passengers, though options remain limited while major Gulf hubs stay closed. Industry sources estimate hundreds of Bangladeshi passengers remain stranded at various airports.

CAAB officials are monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with international aviation authorities for updates. Airlines have advised passengers to check flight status before heading to airport.

Regional tensions that prompted airspace closures show no immediate signs of resolution. Aviation experts warn cancellations could continue if restrictions remain in place beyond coming days.