Monday, 18th May 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 24th March 2026, 5:46 PM
Chattogram, Bangladesh – Shah Amanat International Airport has experienced the cancellation of 174 flights over the past 24 days, as escalating conflict in the Middle East disrupts air travel. The cancellations have occurred between 28 February and 23 March, affecting a significant number of passengers, including Bangladeshi expatriates returning home and international travellers.
On Monday alone, seven flights to and from the Middle East were cancelled. Despite the disruptions, airport authorities confirmed that a total of 11 international flights connecting Bangladesh with the Middle East remained operational, including six arrivals and five departures.
Shah Amanat International Airport engineer for public relations, Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil, said, “Due to the volatile situation in the Middle East, approximately seven to eight international flights are being cancelled daily. On Monday, the cancellations included three arrivals from the Middle East operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, two departures by US-Bangla Airlines, and one arrival and one departure by Air Arabia.”
Several routes continue to experience suspension, notably flights operated by Salam Air, Air Arabia, and US-Bangla Airlines between Chattogram and destinations such as Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.
The recent disruptions follow the outbreak of hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran on 28 February, which led to the closure of many airports in the Middle East. Consequently, flights to and from this region have been severely curtailed, leaving passengers stranded both abroad and in Bangladesh. Advance-ticketed travellers are particularly affected, with limited alternatives available for reaching their destinations.
| Date Range | Total Flights Cancelled | Affected Airlines | Major Routes Impacted | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Feb – 23 Mar 2026 | 174 | Biman Bangladesh, US-Bangla, Air Arabia, Salam Air | Chattogram–Sharjah, Chattogram–Dubai, Chattogram–Abu Dhabi | Daily cancellations averaging 7–8 flights due to regional conflict |
| 23 Mar 2026 | 7 | Biman Bangladesh, US-Bangla, Air Arabia | Middle East arrivals and departures | Some flights still operational: 6 arrivals, 5 departures |
Passengers affected by these cancellations have reported frustration at the uncertainty, with some having booked travel weeks in advance. Airport authorities are coordinating with airlines to provide updates and rebooking options where possible, but the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to impede regular operations.
The prolonged suspension of flights has highlighted the vulnerability of international air travel to geopolitical tensions. Authorities at Shah Amanat International Airport have advised travellers to stay in close contact with airlines and monitor updates on flight schedules until the situation stabilises.
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