1,060 ME-bound flights cancelled from Dhaka in six weeks

A total of 1,060 flights from Dhaka to Middle Eastern destinations have been cancelled over the past one and a half months due to the ongoing conflict in the region, airport authorities confirmed on Sunday.
According to sources of CAAB at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the disruption began on February 28 and has continued amid temporary airspace closures in several countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
Most of the cancelled flights were bound for major regional hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Kuwait City, Doha and Manama, significantly affecting outbound travel and migrant workers.
Airlines impacted by the cancellations include Qatar Airways, Emirates, Flydubai, Air Arabia, Gulf Air, Jazeera Airways, Kuwait Airways, US-Bangla Airlines and Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
Data from airport authorities show a steady rise in cancellations during the crisis period:
•    February 28 - March 9: 339 flights
•    March 10 - March 19: 275 flights
•    March 20 - March 29: 226 flights
•    March 30 - April 8: 160 flights
•    April 9 - April 12: 60 flights
Officials said the situation remains uncertain as it depends on developments in the Middle East and the reopening of affected airspace. Passengers have been advised to check with airlines before travelling to avoid inconvenience.