Dhaka airport cancels 27 flights amid Middle East airspace closures
By Matteo Floris
Last updated on March 4, 2026
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka canceled 27 flights as of 11:45 a.m. on March 1, 2026, following temporary airspace closures by Bahrain, Kuwait, Dubai, and Qatar. The disruption left hundreds of passengers, including migrant workers, business travelers, Umrah pilgrims, and transit passengers, stranded in Dhaka.
All airlines
All countries
No Win, No Fee
As of 11:45 a.m. on March 1, 2026, 27 flights were canceled at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. The cancellations followed temporary airspace closures implemented by several Middle Eastern countries, specifically Bahrain, Kuwait, Dubai, and Qatar. These measures were taken amid regional turbulence linked to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliation by Iran.
The disruption at Dhaka primarily involved flight cancellations, with no confirmed reports of delays provided. The impact at the airport was significant, leaving hundreds of passengers unable to travel. Those stranded included migrant workers, business travelers, Umrah pilgrims, and transit passengers.
Based on the information available, the event constitutes a confirmed, past disruption centered on cancellations. The cause is attributed to external airspace restrictions in parts of the Middle East rather than local operational issues at Dhaka. There was no indication of the specific airlines involved, and no timetable was provided for when normal operations would resume. Details on any rerouting options, rebooking policies, or support measures from individual carriers were not disclosed.
Key facts:
- Location: Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka
- Date/time reference: As of 11:45 a.m. on March 1, 2026
- Scale: 27 flight cancellations
- Cause: Temporary airspace closures in Bahrain, Kuwait, Dubai, and Qatar
- Passenger impact: Hundreds stranded, including migrant workers, business travelers, Umrah pilgrims, and transit passengers
Travelers with bookings connected to affected Middle Eastern airspace should expect that flights transiting or operating to/from those regions may be impacted by similar restrictions. Passengers are advised to follow airline communications for the latest flight status updates and available options.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights:
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour.
No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Disruption:
Cancellation
Cause:
Other
Compensation:
Not eligible for compensation
Flights affected:
27
Status:
Past disruption
Start date:
2026-03-01
Airports affected:
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
Checked by:
Matteo Floris
Date updated:
March 4, 2026
