More than 21,000 flights have been grounded globally, with over 450 flights connected to Bangladesh cancelled. The US–Israel–Iran conflict has triggered the most severe aviation crisis since the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving approximately 7.5 million Bangladeshi expatriates directly affected.
This report presents a comprehensive breakdown of how the crisis unfolded, its global aviation impact, and what it means specifically for Bangladesh.
How the Crisis Began — February 28, 2026
On February 28, 2026, coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran marked the beginning of a sudden and severe escalation in the Middle East. Within hours, multiple countries including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Syria closed their airspace, creating an unprecedented disruption in global aviation.
This region accounts for nearly 14% of global international transit traffic, making the shutdown immediate and far-reaching. Major aviation hubs such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, which collectively handle over half a million passengers daily, were forced into suspension. As a result, the ripple effects spread across continents within a single day, affecting travelers from Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond.
The situation rapidly escalated over the following days, with thousands of flights cancelled and airports either attacked or forced into complete shutdown. By early March, the aviation system had entered a full-scale crisis phase, with airlines halting operations and governments initiating emergency repatriation efforts.
Airports Struck and Closed
The conflict caused direct and indirect disruptions to several of the world’s busiest international airports. Dubai International Airport experienced near-total operational suspension after drone strikes, while Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport suffered direct damage leading to the loss of over a thousand flights. Hamad International Airport in Doha was completely closed, grounding Qatar Airways operations globally. Kuwait International Airport was also hit by drone attacks, forcing a total shutdown.
In addition, Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport has remained closed since the beginning of the conflict, while Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport faced airspace restrictions that stranded tens of thousands of passengers. These closures created a significant gap in global air connectivity that could not be easily compensated by alternative routes.
Airlines Suspended or Impacted
The crisis severely affected major global airlines, especially those operating through the Middle East. Qatar Airways experienced a complete shutdown of operations during the peak of the crisis, while Emirates significantly reduced its capacity before gradually restoring limited operations. Etihad Airways operated only minimal repatriation flights in the early stages.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines suspended six key Middle Eastern routes, reducing its operational capacity drastically. Other global carriers such as Air India and Lufthansa also suspended routes that relied on Middle Eastern transit corridors. The cumulative effect of these disruptions created a massive void in long-haul connectivity, leaving millions of passengers stranded worldwide.
Global Economic Impact
The aviation crisis has had a profound impact on the global economy, particularly within the travel and tourism sector. The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates that the Middle East travel industry is losing approximately 800 million dollars per day due to the conflict. For the full year, projected losses range between 34 and 56 billion dollars.
The global travel industry, valued at around 11.7 trillion dollars, now faces significant uncertainty. Compounding the issue, oil prices surged sharply from around 70 dollars per barrel before the conflict to over 110 dollars shortly after the escalation. This increase in fuel costs has placed additional financial pressure on airlines already dealing with reduced operations and revenue losses. The broader economic impact is also being felt through rising inflation risks and increased costs in transportation and logistics worldwide.
Bangladesh: The Full Picture
Bangladesh has been particularly vulnerable to the crisis due to its strong dependence on Middle Eastern travel routes. At Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, flight cancellations reached a peak of 46 in a single day on March 2, marking the most severe disruption during the crisis period. Overall, more than 450 flights were cancelled across Dhaka and Chittagong within the first two weeks.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines suspended flights to major destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha, Dammam, and Kuwait City. Passengers were advised to confirm their travel plans before heading to the airport, as schedules remained highly uncertain.
The impact extends beyond aviation into the broader socio-economic landscape. Approximately 7.5 million Bangladeshis live and work in Gulf countries, forming a critical source of remittance for the national economy. Disruptions in travel directly affect their ability to move, work, and support families back home, making this crisis particularly significant for Bangladesh.
Recovery Outlook
Despite the severity of the disruption, early indicators suggest that recovery may begin within a relatively short timeframe. Based on previous geopolitical crises, the travel industry could start stabilizing within two months if conditions improve and confidence is restored.
The recovery process is expected to follow a phased approach, beginning with immediate crisis management and repatriation efforts, followed by gradual reopening of airspace and limited flight operations. Over time, airlines are likely to restore routes progressively, leading to a slow return of passenger confidence and eventual normalization of travel demand.
As of mid-March 2026, Dubai has resumed operations at approximately 60 percent capacity, while Doha remains partially restricted. Routes through Saudi Arabia and Oman have shown signs of stabilization, offering alternative transit options for affected travelers.
Traveler Advisory
Travelers are strongly advised to exercise caution when planning journeys involving the Middle East. It is essential to book flexible or refundable tickets, as flight schedules remain subject to sudden changes. Passengers should verify flight status directly with airlines before traveling to the airport and review their travel insurance policies to understand coverage limitations related to conflict situations.
Alternative routes through countries such as India, Singapore, and China may provide more reliable travel options during this period. Travelers should also avoid transiting through heavily affected hubs until full operations are restored.
For Bangladeshi passengers specifically, it is recommended to contact airlines such as Biman Bangladesh Airlines in advance to confirm flight availability. Some routes to Saudi Arabia and Oman have resumed partially, but conditions remain fluid. Government authorities have assured that disrupted passengers will not face financial losses, and support services are available for rebooking and rescheduling.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has created one of the most significant disruptions in modern aviation history. Beyond flight cancellations, the crisis has far-reaching implications for global economies, energy markets, and millions of travelers. For Bangladesh, the impact is particularly deep due to its strong ties with the Gulf region and reliance on expatriate workers.
As the situation evolves, staying informed and making flexible travel decisions will be essential. While early signs of recovery are emerging, the full restoration of global aviation networks will depend on geopolitical stability in the region.
