Biman cancels all Middle East-bound flights as regional tensions soar
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended all flights to Middle Eastern destinations amid rising security concerns in the region following Israeli attacks on Iran.
The cancellations affect flights to key destinations including Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, with operations halted until further notice.
Biman’s General Manager (Public Relations), Bosra Islam, urged passengers not to travel to airports without confirming flight status. “Passengers scheduled to travel to the Middle East should contact our hotline at 13636 or visit our sales offices to receive updated information before heading to the airport,” she said. The airline is working to provide timely updates and guidance to affected travellers.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) said airspaces over Bahrain, Kuwait, Dubai, and Qatar have been closed due to heightened regional risks. CAAB highlighted that the escalating situation in the Middle East could impact the safety of commercial aviation, prompting the temporary closure of airspace and disruption of flights.
At Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, airport authorities have instructed all airlines to provide clear communication to passengers regarding cancellations, delays, and rescheduling. Staff are deployed at terminals to assist passengers and ensure minimal disruption, including sending notifications via SMS, email, and call centres.
Officials emphasised that the situation is being closely monitored, with further measures to be announced as the security landscape evolves. Airlines and airport authorities are coordinating to manage operations and ensure passenger safety while minimising inconvenience.
The cancellations come amid a wider disruption in international air travel, with multiple global carriers, including Air France, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Air India, suspending flights to the Middle East due to security concerns.
Passengers planning to travel to the affected destinations are advised to stay in contact with airlines and travel agencies, and to monitor official updates to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.