Between February 28 and March 14, a half-month of Middle East security turmoil led to the cancellation of 475 flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after seven countries closed their airspace, disrupting routes to major Gulf destinations.

Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan shut down airspace due to regional tensions, causing massive disruption to Bangladesh's aviation operations. Flight cancellations began on February 28 and continue affecting thousands of passengers.

Breakdown shows 23 flights cancelled on February 28, followed by 40 on March 1 and 46 on  March 2. Numbers remained high with 39 cancellations on March 3, 32 on March 4, 36 on  March 5, and 34 on March 6.

Subsequent days saw 28 cancellations each on March 7-8, 33 on March 9, 32 on March 10, 27 on March 11, 28 on March 12, and 25 on March 13.

Latest data for Saturday shows that 24 flights cancelled including Kuwait Airways 2 flights, Air Arabia 2 flights, Gulf Air 4 flights, Qatar Airways 4 flights, Emirates Airlines 4 flights, Jazeera Airways 4 flights, and Flydubai 4 flights.

Affected airlines operate major routes connecting Bangladesh with Gulf destinations where lakhs of Bangladeshi expatriates work and live. Crisis coincides with traditionally busy Eid and Umrah travel season.

Aviation authorities continue monitoring situation as airspace restrictions remain in effect. Passengers are advised to check flight status before heading to airport.

Total cancelled flights from February 28 through March 14 reached 475, creating severe disruption for travellers and financial losses for airlines and tourism sector.