Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain reopen airspace; Dhaka-bound flights resume

Commercial flight operations on several Middle Eastern routes from Bangladesh resumed on Tuesday as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, and Bahrain reopened their airspace following a temporary suspension amid the prevailing global situation.

The airspace of these countries was reopened at 3:00 AM Bangladesh time on Tuesday, allowing regular inbound and outbound flights from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) to Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait City, and Bahrain to operate without disruption, the HSIA Authority said here this morning. 

Airlines operating on these routes have resumed normal schedules, and passengers have been advised to contact respective airline offices or travel agencies to obtain updated flight information and make necessary travel arrangements, said the airport authority. 

The HSIA authority urged all travelers to complete necessary formalities in advance to ensure smooth departures and arrivals.

Earlier, the authority said that several flights from Dhaka to key Middle Eastern destinations experienced temporary disruptions and schedule changes following the closure of airspace by four Gulf countries. 

Among the affected flights were two Air Arabia flights and one US-Bangla Airlines flight to Sharjah; one Emirates and one US-Bangla Airlines flight to Dubai; two Jazeera Airways flights to Kuwait; and two Qatar Airways, one Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and one US-Bangla Airlines flight to Doha.

The disrupted flights have gradually resumed operation under revised schedules, said the airport authority. 

However, flights from Dhaka to other Middle Eastern destinations are continuing as per normal schedules.