Eight More Flights Cancelled Amid Gulf Disruption

Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport has recorded the cancellation of a further eight international flights over the past two days as continuing instability in the Middle East disrupts aviation routes across key Gulf destinations.

Airport authorities said the disruption is linked to operational restrictions and temporary closures affecting major aviation hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Doha. The ongoing situation has resulted in widespread schedule adjustments for airlines operating between Bangladesh and the Gulf region, a critical corridor for migrant workers and business travel.

The latest update was confirmed on Tuesday night (7 April) at 9:28 pm by the airport’s Public Relations Officer, Engineer Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil.

Flights affected over two days

According to airport sources, the cancelled services involved operations by US-Bangla Airlines, Air Arabia, and SalamAir.

Breakdown of cancellations

Officials clarified that US-Bangla Airlines was affected by one inbound and one outbound cancellation. Air Arabia saw two arrivals and two departures grounded, while SalamAir recorded one arrival and one departure cancellation.

Despite the disruption, airport operations continued in part. On the same day, five inbound and three outbound international flights were successfully operated, mainly on routes that remain partially unaffected by regional airspace restrictions.

Continuing disruption across Gulf air routes

Airport officials reported that suspensions on routes linked to Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain ongoing. These disruptions are particularly impacting flights operated by SalamAir, Air Arabia and US-Bangla Airlines, all of which rely heavily on Gulf transit hubs.

Airlines have been forced to make frequent last-minute changes, including rerouting, delaying or cancelling services depending on evolving aviation advisories. Authorities stressed that the situation remains highly fluid and subject to rapid change based on airspace security updates issued by Gulf regulators.

Broader operational impact since February

Shah Amanat International Airport authorities also revealed the scale of disruption has been significant over recent weeks. According to Engineer Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil, a total of 277 international flights have been cancelled since 28 February due to ongoing instability in the Middle East.

These cancellations span multiple carriers and destinations, particularly affecting Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) routes that serve as major transit points for Bangladeshi expatriate workers and international travellers.

Impact on passengers and aviation sector

The repeated cancellations have created considerable uncertainty for passengers, especially migrant workers travelling between Bangladesh and Gulf states for employment purposes. Many have been forced to delay journeys, rebook tickets or seek alternative transit routes via other international hubs in South and Southeast Asia.

Aviation analysts note that prolonged disruption in Gulf airspace not only affects direct connectivity but also places strain on airline operations, including aircraft rotation schedules, crew management, and overall fare stability.

Authorities continue monitoring situation

The airport administration stated that it is maintaining close coordination with international aviation bodies and airline operators to manage evolving risks and schedule changes. Carriers have been instructed to follow updated safety advisories and adjust flight operations in accordance with air traffic control directives issued in the Gulf region.

Officials added that a return to normal operations will depend entirely on stabilisation of the regional security environment and reopening or full restoration of affected air corridors. Until then, intermittent cancellations and disruptions are expected to continue at one of Bangladesh’s busiest international gateways.