Mideast-bound flights normalise amid temporary ceasefire 

A two-week temporary ceasefire between the US-Israel and Iran in the Middle East that began on 8 April has yielded partial relief for Bangladesh's international flight operations, with cancellations declining significantly. However, disruptions continue as airlines and airports navigate lingering uncertainty in the region.

According to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport data, a steady drop in cancellations followed weeks of severe disruption triggered by the closure of multiple Middle Eastern airspaces.

The authorities were forced to cancel 339 flights between 28 February and 9 March at the Dhaka airport. However, the number gradually declined to 275 between 10-19 March, 226 between 20-29 March, and 160 between 30 March and 8 April.

Besides, the cancellations dropped remarkably, with only 60 flights cancelled between 9 and 12 April. In total, 1,060 flights have been cancelled at the country's premier airport since the war erupted.

A similar trend also prevails at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram where operations started stabilising, though not yet fully normal.

Officials said 10 international flights were cancelled between 10 and 11 April due to continued uncertainty. These included flights by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines and others on Sharjah and Muscat routes.

Despite the cancellations, the Chattogram airport handled 15 international arrivals and 11 departures over the two days, indicating a gradual recovery. Routes to Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have started to resume more regular operations.

Officials said a total of 297 international flights were cancelled at Chattogram airport between 28 February and 11 April, a fall of 763 flights compared to the Dhaka airport.

Kamrul Islam, spokesperson for US-Bangla Airlines, said flight cancellations have dropped notably since the temporary ceasefire. "Flights to Dubai are now almost operating regularly, though some disruptions remain on the Doha route."

He also said that flight frequencies remain lower and some night flights are still limited due to security considerations, while most routes, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are operational.

Passenger demand has also yet to fully recover as the ongoing uncertainty has slowed new labour migration and delayed recruitment processes in several Gulf countries, said authorities.

Industry stakeholders say that while the ceasefire has eased immediate pressures, a full return to normal flight operations will depend on sustained stability in the region.