Monday, 27th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 1st March 2026, 9:29 AM
Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport has cancelled 54 flights to destinations in the Middle East, following airspace closures in the region due to recent military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran. The cancellations were enforced as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety.
The airport’s Executive Director, Air Force Group Captain S.M. Ragib Samad, confirmed the situation to journalists on Sunday morning, 1 March. He explained that the cancellations began on Saturday afternoon and extended until early Sunday, affecting both outbound and connecting flights to several Middle Eastern cities.
According to the airport authorities, yesterday alone, 27 flights were grounded, impacting nearly 10,000 passengers. Many affected travellers have been accommodated through arrangements made by the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, while others have returned to their hometowns or residences. Airlines are expected to notify passengers individually via mobile alerts once flight schedules resume normal operations.
| Date | Number of Flights Cancelled | Approx. Passengers Affected | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Feb – 1 Mar | 54 | ~10,000 | Flights to Middle Eastern destinations grounded due to regional airspace closures |
| 29 Feb | 27 | ~10,000 | Initial cancellations following US-Israel strikes; some passengers accommodated locally |
Passengers have been advised to remain in contact with their respective airlines for real-time updates. Authorities have also urged travellers to avoid travelling to affected airports in the Middle East until airspace operations stabilise.
The situation reflects heightened regional tensions, and the airport has stated that safety remains its utmost priority. It is anticipated that, once the airspace reopens, airlines will gradually resume normal flight schedules.
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