Eleven flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) to Middle Eastern destinations were cancelled on March 2 as airspace closures continued due to escalating conflict between Iran, Israel and United States.

Cancellations bring total grounded flights to 74 since February 28 when seven countries including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan closed their airspace. Sunday saw 40 flight cancellations, with number dropping to 11 on Monday.

Routes to Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait remain suspended. Airlines operating these routes have halted services while flights to other Middle Eastern destinations continue normally.

US-Bangla cancelled its 3:45pm Abu Dhabi service. Qatar Airways grounded its 10:45am Doha flight. Kuwait Airways suspended its 11:35am Kuwait departure. Air Arabia cancelled three flights while Jazeera Airlines suspended all Middle East operations.

Indigo Airlines announced all flights will remain cancelled until further notice. Air India also grounded several Middle East-bound services. However, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has not cancelled any flights today.

Direct flights to Oman and Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh, Jeddah and Medina resumed on Sunday night. US-Bangla and Saudi Airlines are operating services on these routes, providing relief to some passengers.

Airlines are coordinating rescheduled services to accommodate backlog from previous cancellations. Aircraft are being utilized at maximum capacity to minimize passenger suffering and clear accumulated bookings.

Airport authorities announced via terminal speakers that passengers with cancelled flights should wait at eastern section and contact respective airlines or agents. Those travelling on operating flights, particularly Saudi Arabia-bound passengers, reported smooth processing without difficulties.

Migrant workers constitute majority of affected passengers. Many expressed concerns about visa expiries and potential job losses. One passenger revealed his visa expires at midnight, creating uncertainty about renewal costs and employment status.

Another Qatar-bound passenger has been stranded at airport since February 28 without response from US-Bangla Airlines despite repeated contact attempts. Several passengers complained airlines failed to provide advance notification about cancellations.

Crowds at terminal have reduced compared to previous two days as airlines began informing passengers about cancellations through communication channels before they reach airport. This prevented unnecessary trips for those with grounded flights.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Expatriate Welfare Ministry activated hotline services to assist stranded travellers. Aviation authorities are monitoring situation and promise to expedite departures once affected airspace reopens.

Crisis stems from Israeli and US strikes on Iran followed by Iranian retaliatory attacks, creating dangerous conditions over Middle Eastern airspace. Approximately 10 airlines suspended Middle East operations on February 28, reduced to three or four carriers by March 2.