Escalating tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel and the United States have forced the cancellation of 173 flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to destinations in the region over five days since last Saturday.
The disruption followed the temporary closure of airspace by several Middle Eastern countries after Israel launched strikes on Iran, triggering heightened security concerns and retaliatory actions.
Airport authorities said the crisis has severely affected routes between South Asia and the Middle East, leaving thousands of passengers facing uncertainty and travel disruptions.
Countries that closed their airspace include Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan.
The highest number of cancellations occurred on Monday when 46 flights were suspended, involving airlines such as Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Gulf Air, flydubai, Kuwait Airways, Air Arabia and US-Bangla Airlines.
On Saturday, 23 flights were cancelled, including 11 operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, six by US-Bangla Airlines and three by Air Arabia.
On Sunday, the number rose to 40 cancellations, including nine Biman flights, eight Air Arabia flights, five Emirates flights and four flydubai services.
On Tuesday, 39 flights were cancelled across various airlines, including Qatar Airways, Gulf Air and Jazeera Airways.
On Wednesday, another 25 flights were cancelled, including eight Air Arabia flights to Sharjah, five Emirates flights, four Qatar Airways flights, four US-Bangla Airlines flights and two flights each by Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways.
Airport officials said some services have been rescheduled but flight operations remain uncertain as the regional situation continues to evolve.
Passengers have been advised to contact their respective airlines to confirm flight status before heading to the airport.
