In a significant move prompted by the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, low-cost airline IndiGo has announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Dhaka. The decision comes after violent protests erupted in the country over a special job quota, resulting in the deaths of at least 300 people. In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, IndiGo stated, “In view of the ongoing situation in #Dhaka, all flights scheduled for tomorrow have unfortunately been cancelled. We understand that this may cause significant inconvenience and disruption to your travel plans and we sincerely regret this development.” The airline assured passengers that their customer experience team is available round the clock to assist with rebooking and full refund options. IndiGo operates flights to Dhaka from major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. While the exact number of cancelled flights remains unclear, the airline’s decision reflects the escalating tensions in Bangladesh.
In a similar move, Air India also announced the immediate cancellation of all flights to and from Dhaka. The airline operates two daily flights from Delhi to Dhaka, and a spokesperson confirmed that they are “continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to our passengers with confirmed bookings for travel to and from Dhaka with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges.” Meanwhile, Vistara, another Indian airline, operated a flight from Mumbai to Dhaka on Monday, but is closely monitoring the situation for future operations. The airline offers daily flights from Mumbai and three weekly services from Delhi to Dhaka.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka was shut down for six hours on Monday. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the temporary closure. The violent protests, sparked by demands for a special job quota, have shaken Bangladesh, leading to a state of emergency. Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman reported that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and an interim government has taken over the country’s responsibilities. The decision to cancel flights underscores the severity of the situation and highlights the precarious security environment in Bangladesh.
