54 Dhaka-Middle East flights cancelled

A total of 54 flights from Dhaka to various Middle Eastern destinations were cancelled from Saturday afternoon until Sunday (1 March) morning due to security concerns following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran and the subsequent closure of regional airspace.

Executive Director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) Group Captain SM Ragib Samad confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday (1 March) morning.

Sources said that after the airspace in parts of the Middle East was closed on Saturday, 27 flights were initially suspended, disrupting the travel plans of around 10,000 passengers.

Many affected passengers have been provided temporary accommodation by the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare, while others have returned to their villages or homes.

Airlines concerned will inform passengers by telephone once flight schedules return to normal, airport authorities said.