More ME flights axed as misery deepens for stranded passengers
Passenger sufferings continued for a second straight day at the airport, with not only Biman Bangladesh Airlines but also several domestic and international carriers suspending services to Middle Eastern destinations due to security risks
Anwar Hossain 
At least 27 Middle East-bound flights were cancelled as of Sunday morning after several Gulf countries closed their airspace following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Executive Director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Group Captain SM Ragib Samad, told this correspondent that the cancellations have affected flights to destinations including Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
Scenes of passenger suffering continued for a second straight day at the airport, with not only Biman Bangladesh Airlines but also several domestic and international carriers suspending services to Middle Eastern destinations due to security risks.
Many passengers were seen waiting inside the terminal amid uncertainty, as no clear timeline has been given for the resumption of flights. Some travellers expressed concern over expiring visas and missed connecting flights to Europe and North America.
Jewel Mia from Senbagh in Noakhali, who was scheduled to fly to Qatar at 5:00pm on Sunday, arrived at the airport early in the morning despite learning that his flight had been suspended.
“We are suffering a lot. The agency told us to stay at the airport from morning. I have been trying to reach the hotline for over an hour but cannot get through,” he said, adding that he remains uncertain about when he will be able to travel.
Authorities said flights would resume in phases once regional airspace is deemed safe. While operations to several Middle Eastern countries remain suspended, flights to Europe and other regions are operating normally.
A file photo of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka: Photo: HSIA
Ministers visit airport
Amid the disruption, two cabinet members visited the airport to oversee assistance efforts for stranded passengers.
On Saturday night around 11:30pm, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury inspected the airport and spoke with affected travellers. He reviewed support measures and assured passengers that steps were being taken to address their immediate needs.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita also monitored the situation in coordination with aviation authorities, officials said.
During a press briefing, the minister said the government was working jointly with civil aviation authorities to arrange accommodation and meals for stranded passengers.
The ministry has arranged accommodation for 50 passengers, while the Civil Aviation Authority has ensured lodging facilities for around 800 more.
In a separate case, 53 passengers bound for Muscat, Oman, who had travelled from Sylhet to Dhaka, were sent to hotels after their flight was cancelled. Arrangements were made for their pre-dawn meals, and AC bus services were scheduled to transport them back to Sylhet on Sunday.
Prime minister intervenes
During the late-night inspection, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman phoned to inquire about the condition of stranded passengers and the measures being taken for their welfare, officials said.
The ministers assured the prime minister that accommodation and food support were being coordinated to ease passenger hardship.
Flights from Dhaka to Middle Eastern destinations have remained suspended since Saturday afternoon following widespread airspace closures across parts of the region, including Iran and several Gulf states. Authorities said flight operations will remain uncertain until the security situation improves.
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