Middle East crisis: Passengers’ suffering continues as 20 more flights cancelled today

Passengers at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka continued to face travel disruptions today (7 March) as 20 more flights were cancelled amid the ongoing Middle East security crisis.

The flight cancellations follow the closure of airspace by several Middle Eastern countries – including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan – due to a deteriorating security situation in the region since 28 February.

According to airport authorities, the latest cancellations recorded after midnight today involved several international carriers operating routes between Dhaka and Middle Eastern destinations.

Among the affected airlines were Kuwait Airways with two cancelled flights to Kuwait, Jazeera Airways with two flights to Kuwait, Air Arabia with six flights to Sharjah, Gulf Air with two flights to Bahrain, Qatar Airways with four flights to Doha, and Emirates with four flights to Dubai. 

With these latest disruptions, the total number of cancelled flights at Dhaka airport since 28 February has risen to 268, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or forced to rearrange their travel plans.

A total of 214 flights have operated in various Middle East destinations from the Dhaka airport since the conflict began.

Airport officials said the situation remains uncertain as airlines continue to monitor developments in the Middle East. Passengers have been advised to stay in close contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights.

Meanwhile, at least 12 flights were cancelled at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram today. Since 28 February, around 80 flights cancelled from the airport.