In 6 days, Bangladesh cancelled a total of 260 flights due to the ongoing disruption of air travel to the Middle East. Uncertainty still looms over the resumption of normal flight operations. Continued regional tensions and airspace restrictions across several Middle Eastern countries have forced airlines to cancel hundreds of flights, leaving thousands of passengers, including migrant workers, business travellers, and families, stranded or facing severe travel disruptions.

Aviation authorities and airlines are closely monitoring the evolving situation, but no clear timeline has yet been announced for the full restoration of regular flight services.

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka cancelled 210 international flights between February 28 and March 5 as Middle East airspace closures continued amid regional security tensions, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) confirmed 34 additional flights were cancelled on Thursday (March 5) alone. Security situation forced Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan to close airspace on February 28, disrupting international aviation operations.

Cancellations peaked on March 2 with 46 flights grounded, followed by 40 flights on March 1 and 39 flights on March 3. Initial day saw 23 cancellations on February 28, while 28 flights were cancelled on March 4.

Airlines affected on Thursday included Qatar Airways with 4 flight cancellations, Kuwait Airways 4, Jazeera Airways 4, Air Arabia from Sharjah 10 flights, Emirates 4, US-Bangla Airlines 2, Gulf Air from Bahrain 2, and Flydubai from UAE 4 flights.

Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport reported 11 cancellations on Thursday. Across both airports, six-day total since February 28 reached

260 cancellations, with 210 at Dhaka and 50 at Chattogram. Disruptions particularly impacted Bangladeshi migrant workers, business travellers and families with connections across Gulf region.

Amid crisis, US-Bangla Airlines operated special rescue flight bringing 378 stranded Bangladeshi passengers from Dubai on Thursday morning. Hundreds of anxious family members crowded airport from early morning, waiting for loved ones to return home.

Kamrul Islam, General Manager for public relations at US-Bangla Airlines, explained that airline consulted with Dubai Airport Authority and received permission to operate two special flights considering overall situation. "We have a responsibility here. The passengers who are in Bangladesh have trust in US-Bangla Airlines," Islam told media.

Special Airbus 330 aircraft with 436 seats was sent to Dubai on 4th March specifically to bring back stranded Bangladeshis. Flight also carried 27 Biman Bangladesh Airlines cabin crew members who were trapped due to conflict.

Returning passengers described difficult experiences. One traveller said his ticket was cancelled when arriving at airport and company had to update it. "I had to pay Tk 90 thousand for a new ticket to return," he stated.

Another passenger noted flights scheduled for March 28 and 29 were rescheduled for March 5 amd 7. “They are striking from a distance. The situation near us is normal”, he explained about conditions in region.

Grateful passengers expressed appreciation for airline’s efforts. “On behalf of myself and other expatriates, thank you, US-Bangla, for giving us a new life”, one returning expatriate said. Airport atmosphere changed from tension to joy as families reunited, with many breaking down in tears of relief.

Kamrul added that with Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, airline is trying to bring back more stranded passengers. “We are applying for permission to operate additional special flights from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah as well”, he said.

Bangladesh authorities urged airlines to proactively inform travellers via SMS, email, call centres and staffed airport desks. Passengers scheduled to travel on affected routes were advised to confirm flight status with airlines before heading to airport and follow instructions for rebooking or refunds.

Aviation authorities have not announced timeline for resuming normal operations. Countries cited safety concerns for suspending flight operations through affected airspace. Situation remains fluid as airspace restrictions continue to affect flight planning and operations across region.