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Published : 01 Mar 2026, 01:44 AM
Shahjalal International Airport has descended into chaos as multiple flights to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other Gulf destinations were abruptly suspended.
Confused passengers, many having traveled long distances from outside Dhaka, were left in sweltering terminals and walkways, with no updates from airlines.
Phones went unanswered, hotlines were dead, and the usual guidance vanished amid rising tension, with hundreds of passengers left in confusion and distress amid Middle East tensions which forced the sudden suspension of multiple flights.
Faridpur resident Md Rubel was scheduled to fly to Saudi Arabia at 1am on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight.
While Saudia Airlines began boarding passengers for the same destination, Biman provided no information, leaving him and others stranded on the sidewalk opposite Terminal 2.
The airline’s hotline (13636) had been inactive since 8pm, further heightening passenger anxiety.
“They are not telling us when the flight will leave. Even the monitor shows empty times. They don’t say whether it’s cancelled. What are we supposed to do?” Rubel said.
Flights to destinations including Dammam, Kuwait, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Bahrain were suspended, leaving many Umrah pilgrims and expatriates stranded.
By 10pm, thousands were gathered on walkways and in front of the terminal.
Police and Ansar personnel attempted to disperse the crowd with loudspeakers and warnings, but passengers arriving from outside Dhaka had no place to go.
Although the government promised overnight arrangements, none were visible by 11pm.
A Civil Aviation Authority advisory cited regional security issues, urging passengers to confirm travel with their airlines and travel agencies.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines announced suspension of all Middle East flights, warning passengers not to come to the airport without contacting the airline.
However, passengers said the hotline was ineffective.
Flight information displays showed check-ins for other airlines proceeding normally, but Biman flights remained blank.
Abdul Jalil, a 23-year Saudi resident, had completed immigration and boarded a Biman flight to Jeddah at 3pm, but the aircraft did not depart.
Passengers were served Iftar onboard, then deboarded after Maghrib prayers.
“I have one day left on my visa. I bought the ticket from Saudi Arabia, and my phone cannot receive local messages,” he said, monitoring flight updates on the display outside the terminal.
Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad visited the airport, assuring passengers that the government was closely monitoring the situation and prioritizing their safety.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Bangladesh has requested Middle Eastern authorities to allow stranded and prospective workers entry once airspace reopens.
Measures are also under way to ensure the safety of Bangladeshis in Iran, including students and embassy personnel.
