Flight operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport are gradually normalising after Middle East conflict disruptions, but passenger suffering continues as 74 flights have been cancelled since Saturday.

Iran's retaliatory strikes following Israeli and US attacks on Iranian territory put Middle Eastern airspace at risk, forcing multiple international airlines to suspend Bangladesh operations. Private carrier US-Bangla resumed flights to Jeddah, Doha and Riyadh on Sunday morning after 11:00 AM. Saudi airlines also operated several flights.

However, 11 flights were cancelled on Monday alone. Qatar Airways' Doha-bound service, Kuwait Airways' Kuwait route and Air India's Middle East flights remain suspended. Kuala Lumpur-bound flights were also cancelled. Riyadh and Jeddah services continue operating normally.

Passengers arriving at airport since morning faced severe hardships due to lack of clear information. Many stood in long queues trying to enter terminal without receiving adequate updates about flight status. Their journeys remain uncertain.

One citizen came with her sister complained about communication breakdown. “I've been calling their helpline continuously since yesterday but it shows busy. Customer care people are occupied, so we can't contact them”, she said. Her sister's flight scheduled for 8:00 PM on March 1 was cancelled without prior notice.

Citizen added that airline staff directed them to contact travel agencies, while agencies instructed them to visit airline counters. “Counter says go to agency. We don't know what to do. We have nothing to do. If we need tickets, then are our documents and tickets fake or forged? Everything is correct. Then why again? Why should we buy new tickets? This has no logic, no solution. Where should we go? We came here from morning”, frustrated citizen said.

Another traveller from Sylhet carrying four tickets for Saudi Arabia-bound flight faced similar confusion. “They won’t let me enter airport. When I entered through another gate and went upstairs, one person said flight may or may not happen. App shows flight will operate, not cancelled. But here they're telling us to go home. If I go home, who will pay for my four tickets if flight leaves? That's why I'm waiting. Everyone is fasting during Ramadan. They won't even let people sit inside, telling us to stay outside”, he said.

US-Bangla passengers reported receiving no updates from airline staff despite repeated inquiries. Travellers expressed frustration over being kept uninformed after travelling long distances from different parts of Bangladesh.

Saudi Arabia-bound passengers received confirmation about scheduled departures, bringing relief. “Saudi flights will depart on time. We were informed. That's why we're happy we can fly at correct time”, one passenger said.