Middle East Conflict Cancels 28 More Flights

Ongoing tensions in the Middle East have continued to disrupt air travel, with safety concerns prompting multiple countries to temporarily close their airspace. Since 28 February, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan have suspended flights over their territories due to escalating security risks. The impact has been felt directly at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, where, on Thursday 12 March, a total of 28 international flights were cancelled.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), the suspension of airspace over conflict-affected regions has led to a series of flight cancellations over the past two weeks. The daily number of flights cancelled from Dhaka since 28 February is summarised in the table below:

Thursday’s cancellations alone included flights operated by several major carriers. The breakdown is as follows:

CAAB has emphasised that the cancellations are a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Passengers affected by the disruption have been advised to contact their airlines for alternative flight arrangements or ticket refunds.

Aviation experts warn that if the geopolitical situation persists, airspace restrictions may be extended, potentially affecting hundreds of international flights and disrupting regional travel and commerce. Airlines are reportedly reviewing schedules and rerouting flights to minimise delays, but travellers are advised to remain vigilant and monitor flight updates closely.

With the situation in the Middle East remaining volatile, authorities are working closely with airlines to manage the impact, while passengers are urged to plan their journeys carefully to avoid further inconvenience.