Amid escalating conflict and extreme tension in the Middle East, all flights from Bangladesh to the region have been suspended, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Most affected include expatriates heading to the Middle East and passengers on connecting flights to Europe and America.
On Saturday, 28 February, at 11:30 PM, Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ariful Haq Chowdhury visited the airport to check on the passengers, listen to their concerns, and oversee arrangements made for their welfare.
During a press briefing, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called to inquire about the airport situation and the passengers’ difficulties. Minister Chowdhury assured him that the Ministry and Civil Aviation authorities are jointly providing accommodation and meals.
Chowdhury confirmed that under the Ministry’s arrangements, 50 passengers are accommodated, while Civil Aviation has provided for 800 more. Additionally, 53 passengers from Sylhet heading to Muscat, Oman, whose flights were cancelled, were sent to hotels with Sehri arrangements, and an AC bus has been arranged to return them to Sylhet the following day.
The sudden suspension of flights, effective from Saturday afternoon due to the closure of Middle Eastern airspace, caused severe inconvenience to thousands of passengers. The resumption of flights remains uncertain until the situation stabilizes. Bangladesh Suspends All Middle East Flights Amid Rising Tensions; PM Tarique Rahman Checks on Stranded Passengers
