Flight Disruptions: 38 Cancellations at Dhaka Airport

Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has witnessed significant flight disruptions today, with 38 flights to the Middle East cancelled due to escalating security concerns in the region. The cancellations have affected a range of international carriers operating from Bangladesh’s principal gateway.

Muhammad Kausar Mahmud, Assistant Director (Public Relations) at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), confirmed the situation to the media on Tuesday, 3 March. He explained that the cancellations are a precautionary measure in response to airspace restrictions imposed because of ongoing conflict in parts of the Middle East.

According to CAAB records, the disruptions began at the end of February, with a steadily increasing number of flight cancellations:

Today’s cancellations involve a mix of international and regional airlines, including:

Flights to and from Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Dubai remain suspended. However, air travel on other international routes has resumed as normal.

The disruption is not limited to Dhaka. At Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport, 35 international flights have been cancelled as of Tuesday morning, including several scheduled departures at 7:00 AM. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and advising passengers to check with their airlines before travelling to the airports.

CAAB has urged travellers to stay updated through official channels and emphasised that safety is the top priority in the current volatile geopolitical context. Passengers affected by cancellations are being accommodated on alternative flights where possible.