Bangladesh Bans All Middle East Flights Until March 8

Amid escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the nation’s flag carrier, has announced the suspension of all flights to the Middle East until 8 March. The airline formally communicated this decision to travel agencies on Friday, 6 March. Previously, flights on these routes had been suspended from 3 to 5 March, but the disruption has now been extended in response to the ongoing regional instability.

The affected destinations include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, Dammam in Saudi Arabia, Doha in Qatar, and Kuwait City. Biman has stated that updates regarding rescheduled flights will be provided as soon as the situation improves.

According to Biman sources, the heightened conflict and associated security risks in the region prompted Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan to temporarily close their airspace from the afternoon of 28 February. This measure has had a direct impact on Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, leading to significant disruptions in international flight schedules.

The ongoing airspace closures have caused widespread cancellations and rerouting of flights by several international carriers. Data shows that, as of Friday, a total of 245 flights to and from Dhaka had been cancelled due to the security situation.

Biman has advised passengers to remain in regular contact with the airline’s call centre or their respective travel agents for the latest information. The carrier emphasised that uncertainty will persist until regional tensions ease and safe airspace access is restored.

The table below summarises the primary routes currently affected by the suspension:

Aviation analysts warn that prolonged instability in the Middle East could further disrupt international air travel, particularly affecting Bangladeshi expatriates and business travellers who rely heavily on these routes. Until the regional security situation stabilises, airlines may continue to adjust schedules or implement temporary cancellations.

Passengers are strongly encouraged to monitor official airline communications for updates and to make contingency arrangements where necessary. Biman Bangladesh Airlines reaffirmed that safety remains its top priority, and the suspension reflects the airline’s commitment to protecting passengers in an unpredictable geopolitical environment.