Flights Suspended Amid Regional Tensions

Air travel operations have come under significant strain following escalating conflict in the Middle East, with notable disruptions affecting Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport. On Wednesday (25 March), seven international flights were cancelled in a single day as the ongoing instability continued to disrupt air routes across the region.

Airport authorities confirmed that the cancellations included multiple services operated by leading airlines. Among the affected were two outbound and two inbound flights of Biman Bangladesh Airlines serving Middle Eastern destinations. In addition, one outbound flight operated by US-Bangla Airlines, alongside one inbound and one outbound flight of Air Arabia, were also cancelled.

Despite these setbacks, a limited number of flights continued to operate, indicating that the airport is still functioning under constrained conditions. On the same day, a total of eight incoming and four outgoing flights were successfully operated by various airlines. However, disruptions remain particularly pronounced on key Middle Eastern routes, with services to Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi—operated by Salam Air, Air Arabia, and US-Bangla Airlines—still facing significant interruptions.

The persistent instability has had a cumulative impact on aviation operations at the airport. According to officials, since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East on 28 February, a total of 186 international flights have been cancelled. This figure reflects the growing severity of the situation and its far-reaching consequences for air travel between Bangladesh and the Middle East, a region that serves as a major hub for labour migration and commercial connectivity.

Flight Status Overview (25 March)

Speaking on the situation, Shah Amanat International Airport’s Public Relations Officer, Engineer Ibrahim Khalil, confirmed that the disruptions are directly linked to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. He added that since the outbreak of hostilities, flight operations have remained unstable, and there is little certainty about when normal schedules will be restored.

The aviation sector is particularly vulnerable to regional conflicts, as airspace restrictions, safety concerns, and fluctuating demand all contribute to operational challenges. Airlines are often forced to reroute or cancel flights to avoid potentially dangerous airspace, resulting in delays, increased costs, and inconvenience for passengers.

In the case of Bangladesh, the impact is especially significant due to its strong economic and social ties with Middle Eastern countries. A large number of Bangladeshi expatriate workers depend on regular and reliable air services to travel between their home country and their places of employment abroad. As such, prolonged disruption not only affects individual travellers but also has broader implications for remittance flows and economic stability.

Authorities at Shah Amanat International Airport have indicated that they are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining coordination with airlines to ensure safe and regulated operations. However, they have also acknowledged that until the geopolitical situation stabilises, uncertainty in flight schedules is likely to persist.

Passengers are being advised to stay in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates and to remain prepared for possible last-minute changes or cancellations. In the meantime, the aviation industry continues to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, with safety remaining the foremost priority.