Passengers' suffering deepens as Biman suspends 6 key Middle East routes

Passenger suffering intensified today (3 March) as at least 39 Middle East-bound flights were cancelled at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by 12pm, while Biman Bangladesh Airlines announced the indefinite suspension of operations on six key routes amid escalating tensions and airspace closures in the region.

According to Muhammad Kawsar Mahmud, Assistant Director (Public Relations) of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, the cancellations stem from ongoing conflict-related airspace shutdowns across several Middle Eastern countries.

He said 23 flights were cancelled on 28 February, 40 on 1 March, 46 on 2 March, and 38 scheduled flights on 3 March. In total, 147 flights have been cancelled so far.

Today's cancelled flights included four operated by Qatar Airways, four by Emirates, four by Gulf Air, four by Flydubai, two by Kuwait Airways, four by Jazeera Airways, 12 by Air Arabia, and four by US-Bangla Airlines.

While operations have resumed on some routes, flights to Bahrain, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai remain suspended.

At Shah Amanat International Airport, authorities reported that 35 international flights, including seven scheduled for Tuesday morning, have been cancelled so far.

Biman suspends six routes

Biman Bangladesh Airlines suspended flights indefinitely to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates; Dammam in Saudi Arabia; Doha in Qatar; and Kuwait City in Kuwait, citing mounting airspace security risks.

The decision was announced around this noon. The airline said passengers holding tickets for the affected routes would be informed of revised schedules once the regional situation stabilises and operations can safely resume.

Airspace closures announced since the afternoon of 28 February by several countries – including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan – have severely disrupted international flight schedules to and from Dhaka.

Minister urges vigilance against rumours

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroz Khanam warned against the spread of misinformation, saying rumours circulating on various platforms were creating unnecessary panic among travellers. She instructed all relevant agencies to act proactively to prevent harassment or confusion.

Amid growing uncertainty, the civil aviation and tourism ministry convened an emergency meeting at 2pm today to review the situation and safeguard passenger interests.

The minister directed officials to prioritise passengers whose visas have expired or are nearing expiry once flights resume. She also emphasised that airlines must maintain constant communication with travellers and provide verified updates. Carriers were asked to keep emergency helplines operational if needed and refrain from imposing extra charges during the crisis.

Officials at the meeting noted that ongoing airspace closures in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait, along with the suspension of flights to Dammam, have compounded passenger hardship.

The ministry also reviewed contingency plans to arrange additional flights to clear the backlog of stranded passengers once the regional security situation improves.