Passengers’ suffering continues as 26 more flights cancelled

Passenger suffering at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka continued yesterday (9 March) as 26 more flights were cancelled amid the ongoing security situation in the Middle East that has forced several countries to keep their airspace closed.

The cancelled flights include two flights of Kuwait Airways, four flights of Air Arabia (Sharjah), four flights of Gulf Air, four flights of Qatar Airways, four flights of Emirates, four flights of Jazeera Airways, and four flights of flydubai.

According to airport authorities, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan closed their airspace on 28 February following the emerging regional security situation, leading to widespread disruption of international flights. As a result, multiple airlines operating from Dhaka were forced to cancel their scheduled services.

The continued cancellations have intensified the hardship faced by passengers, particularly migrant workers and travellers heading to Middle Eastern destinations. Many passengers have been stranded at the airport or forced to repeatedly reschedule their travel plans, creating uncertainty and additional financial burden.

The number of cancelled flights recorded so far includes 23 flights on 28 February, 40 on 1 March, 46 on 2 March, 39 on 3 March, 28 on 4 March, 36 on 5 March, 34 on 6 March, 28 on 7 March, 28 on 8 March and 33 on 9 March.

With the latest cancellations, the total number of flights cancelled since the crisis began has reached 361, further prolonging the suffering of thousands of passengers awaiting normal flight operations.

Airport authorities said the situation will depend on when Middle Eastern countries reopen their airspace, adding that passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for updated flight information before travelling to the airport.