A total of 500 international flights from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport were canceled over the past 16 days due to the ongoing war situation in the Middle East, according to a statement issued on Sunday by Muhammad Kausar Mahmud, public relations officer of the Civil Aviation Authority. On Sunday alone, 23 flights were canceled.

The cancellations began on February 28, when 23 flights were grounded. The following days saw fluctuating numbers, including 40 on March 1, 46 on March 2, and 39 on March 3. Airlines affected include Kuwait Airways, Air Arabia, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Jazeera, Flydubai, US-Bangla Airlines, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Despite the disruptions, 49 flights operated on Sunday, mainly to Muscat, Kuwait, and the UAE.

The Civil Aviation Authority continues to monitor the situation as the conflict in the Middle East disrupts regular air connectivity from Dhaka to key destinations in the region.