March 16, Dhaka — The ongoing conflict in West Asia has significantly disrupted air travel between Bangladesh and the Gulf region, leaving thousands of migrant workers stranded and raising concerns about preparedness to handle the crisis.
Officials at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport said that at least 500 flights to and from West Asian destinations were cancelled between February 28 and mid-March following the closure of several regional airspaces.
The disruption has created uncertainty for Bangladeshi expatriates, as the Gulf countries remain the primary destination for the nation's migrant workforce.
Authorities said that airspace restrictions were imposed by several countries after the conflict escalated, including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.
The Bangladeshi government said that it is in contact with Gulf authorities to address the situation and help restore flight operations.
Photo: File/A plane lands at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh