ME conflict forces cancellation of 300 flights in 9 days: CAAB
Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan closed their airspace on February 28 due to the deteriorating security situation, disrupting flight operations between Bangladesh and the Middle East
ATT Desk Report 
The ongoing Middle Eastern security crisis has led to the cancellation of 300 flights at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport since February 28, after seven countries in the region closed their airspace amid escalating tensions, says a press release.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) release signed by its Assistant Director (Public Relations) Muhammad Kawsar Mahmud on Sunday, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan closed their airspace on February 28 due to the deteriorating security situation, disrupting flight operations between Bangladesh and the Middle East.
Flight cancellations began with 23 services on February 28 and peaked at 46 on March 2. The number of cancelled flights remained high in the following days, with 40 on March 1, 39 on March 3, 28 on March 4, 36 on March 5, 34 on March 6, 28 on March 7 and 26 on March 8.
Eight airlines operating from Dhaka have been affected by the restrictions. Kuwait Airways cancelled two flights on March 8, while Jazeera Airways cancelled four. Air Arabia, based in Sharjah, cancelled six flights — the highest among the affected carriers.
Meanwhile, Gulf Air cancelled two flights, while Qatar Airways cancelled four. Emirates and Flydubai cancelled four and two flights respectively, while Saudia cancelled two flights operating from Riyadh.
With 26 cancellations recorded on March 8, the cumulative total since the crisis began has reached 300.
The ongoing airspace restrictions have disrupted travel plans for thousands of Bangladeshi passengers heading to the Middle East for employment, religious purposes and family visits.
Bangladesh maintains strong economic ties with Gulf countries, where more than five million Bangladeshi workers are employed. Aviation disruptions and potential impacts on remittance flows could affect economic activities and connectivity between Bangladesh and the region.
Airlines have not yet announced when normal operations will resume, as the situation in the Middle East remains uncertain. Authorities have advised passengers to contact their respective airlines for updates on rescheduling and refund policies.
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