Iran conflict: 46 more flights cancelled at Dhaka airport as passenger misery continues

Passenger suffering continued yesterday (2 March) as 46 more flights were cancelled at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, leaving many travellers stranded and uncertain about their journeys.

According to airport authorities, till noon yesterday, a total of 131 flights had been cancelled since the conflict began.

Salman Rashid, a migrant worker bound for the United Arab Emirates, was unable to travel after his Emirates flight was cancelled following the outbreak of hostilities.

"Now I am waiting for the flight to be rescheduled. As UAE-bound flights have yet to resume, I am uncertain about my travel. Although my leave has ended, I have not been able to rejoin work, which is causing me considerable stress," he told The Business Standard.

A source from Emirates told TBS, "Passengers who could not travel will either be rescheduled on new flights or refunded if they prefer. No one will incur any loss."

Group Captain Ragib Samad, executive director of Dhaka Airport, said some passengers were still arriving at the airport without knowing their flights had been cancelled.

"Passengers sometimes do not receive proper information about flight cancellations, which is why they come to the airport and face difficulties," he said, blaming travel agents for failing to properly disseminate information.

Ministry issues guidance for agents

Considering the ongoing situation in the Middle East, the civil association ministry has issued instructions to travel agencies in light of possible schedule changes, delays and cancellations.

Agencies have been told to remain in constant contact with airlines and provide passengers with accurate and verified information. They have also been asked to avoid spreading unconfirmed reports, ensure quick support for ticket re-issuance, revalidation, and refunds, and extend cooperation on humanitarian grounds without imposing additional charges.

Travel agents have further been directed to keep emergency contact numbers active and maintain coordination with embassies and relevant authorities.

Passengers have been urged to remain patient, rely only on verified information, and stay in contact with airlines or agents for the latest updates. They have also been advised to communicate promptly with embassies regarding visa or residency concerns.

Airlines affected

Till 12pm yesterday, US-Bangla Airlines cancelled four flights, Biman Bangladesh Airlines cancelled four, Emirates five, Air Arabia eight, Qatar Airways four, Kuwait Airways two, and Flydubai four.

Kamrul Islam, general manager of US-Bangla Airlines, told The Business Standard that many passengers were continuing to come to the airport because flights to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were still operating.

"They come hoping to get a chance if any flight reopens," he said.

He added that some passengers provide local contact numbers at their destination when purchasing tickets, which makes it difficult for travel agents to reach them with updates about cancellations.