Airspace closures across West Asia have disrupted hundreds of flights from Dhaka, leaving migrant workers stranded and raising concerns over economic impact.
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Source: CNBC TV18 |
17 March 2026 | Dhaka
— The ongoing West Asia conflict has significantly disrupted air travel between Bangladesh and the Gulf region, with 528 flights cancelled from Dhaka in just 18 days, according to airport authorities.
Officials at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport said the cancellations occurred between February 28 and mid-March following the closure of several regional airspaces.
The large-scale disruption highlights the severity of the crisis, as flights to key Gulf destinations were either suspended or rerouted, affecting thousands of passengers.
Authorities confirmed that airspace restrictions were imposed by several countries after the conflict escalated, including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.
Mass Flight Cancellations Disrupt Connectivity
The sudden spike in cancellations has severely impacted connectivity between Bangladesh and the Gulf region, one of the busiest international corridors for the country.
Airlines have struggled to maintain schedules, with rerouting options limited and operational costs rising due to longer flight paths.
Migrant Workers Face Uncertainty
The disruption has created uncertainty for Bangladeshi expatriates, as Gulf countries remain the primary destination for the nation’s migrant workforce.
Many workers scheduled to return to their jobs are now stranded, raising fears of job losses and financial instability. Several passengers have also reported losses due to sudden cancellations and rescheduling issues.
Economic Concerns Rises
Experts warn that prolonged disruption could impact Bangladesh’s economy, as remittances from Gulf countries form a significant share of national income.
Travel agencies in Dhaka have reported a decline in bookings, particularly for Middle East routes, which are usually among the busiest.
Efforts To Restore Operations
The Bangladesh government said it is in contact with Gulf authorities to address the situation and help restore flight operations.
Airport officials stated that airlines are attempting to reroute flights, although longer routes have increased travel time and operational costs.
Authorities are also exploring alternative arrangements, including special flights, to ease passenger movement.
Advisory for Travelers
Officials have urged passengers to stay updated with airline advisories and avoid non-essential travel until the situation stabilizes. They also emphasized the need for regional cooperation to ensure safe and smooth air travel.
Source: PB-SHABD
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