210 flights cancelled from Dhaka in 6 days
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Total 210 flights were cancelled from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka airport) between February 28 and March 5 due to airspace closures.
This was informed by Muhammad Kawsar Mahmud. Designation, Assistant Director (Public Relations) at Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) through a press release today.
Security situation in Middle East forced Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan to close their airspace on February 28, disrupting international aviation and triggering mass flight cancellations from Dhaka airport.
Airlines operating Middle East routes faced severe operational challenges as countries shut down air corridors over security concerns.
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.
For March 5 after midnight local time, 34 additional flights face cancellation. Qatar Airways cancelled 4 flights, Kuwait Airways 4, Jazeera Airways of Kuwait 4, and Air Arabia operating from Sharjah cancelled 10 flights. Emirates grounded 4 flights while US-Bangla cancelled 2 flights. Gulf Air from Bahrain and Flydubai from UAE each cancelled 2 and 4 flights respectively.
Major carriers affected include Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways, Air Arabia, Emirates, US-Bangla Airlines, Gulf Air and Flydubai. Disruptions particularly impact Bangladeshi migrant workers, business travellers and families with connections across Gulf region.
Airspace closures represent significant escalation in regional security tensions. Countries cited safety concerns for suspending flight operations through affected airspace. Aviation authorities have not announced timeline for resuming normal operations.
Passengers holding tickets for cancelled flights should contact respective airlines for rebooking or refund arrangements. Airlines are working to accommodate affected travellers on alternative routes once airspace restrictions lift.