Suspended flights to Middle East will be rescheduled: civil aviation minister

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat today said Middle East‑bound flights from Bangladesh that were suspended following attacks on Iran will be rescheduled, with measures in place to ensure passengers are given adequate notice.

Speaking to reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Millat said around 54 international flights from Bangladesh were suspended yesterday due to the escalating situation in the Middle East following US and Israel attacks on Iran, affecting routes to Gulf countries and beyond.

In that context, some planned rotations of Biman Bangladesh Airlines were also kept on hold. “We have resumed those operations today,” he said, adding that flight schedules are being adjusted in consultation with relevant authorities.

According to him, an inter-ministerial coordination team involving the foreign minister and the expatriates’ welfare minister is also overseeing arrangements to ensure passengers do not suffer due to flight disruptions.

Millat said rescheduled flights have been finalised and, if the prevailing situation continues, arrangements have been made to operate the previously suspended flights by tomorrow and transport the affected passengers. However, if the war situation escalates or becomes prolonged, further steps will be taken through consultations.

He also said rescheduling is being done in such a way that passengers, including those coming from remote areas, get sufficient time to reach the airport. “If the conflict does not escalate further, that will be good. But if it does, we will hold inter-ministerial meetings and take necessary measures,” he said.

He further added that the prime minister is personally monitoring the situation and issuing instructions, with regular updates being taken to ensure passengers face no difficulties. Special attention is also being given to passenger care, including arrangements for iftar during Ramadan, he added.

The state minister urged passengers to contact their travel agencies or airlines before heading to the airport to confirm departure times.

“We are very active from Biman Bangladesh Airlines,” he added, noting that officials from the airline, the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh are on duty round the clock.