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Thousands of Bangladeshi travellers finally see a glimmer of hope as Emirates partially resumed flights between Dhaka and Dubai, ending days of uncertainty and upheaval after 210 cancellations across the Middle East.
The Dubai-based carrier Emirates has announced the partial resumption of flight operations on the Dhaka-Dubai route, along with 74 other destinations amid conflict in the region since Saturday.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), the flight disruptions have caused immense suffering for travellers, particularly expatriate workers.
In the latest update, 34 flights were cancelled in the 24 hours leading up to early Thursday.
Following a brief closure due to the conflict, Dubai authorities announced a limited reopening of their airspace two days ago.
This prompted several airlines to organise special flights to repatriate stranded citizens.
On Wednesday evening, a US-Bangla Airlines special flight departed for Dubai.
The return leg, operated by an Airbus A330-300, arrived in Dhaka on Thursday morning carrying 378 Bangladeshis who had been stuck in the UAE.
US-Bangla is scheduled to operate another special flight using the same aircraft later on Thursday.
Emirates confirmed the move through its official X handle on Thursday evening.
The airline had previously cancelled four scheduled flights from Dhaka earlier that day.
The airline’s operations were hit after Dubai International Airport sustained damage during the conflict, which also left four staff members injured.
The airline issued a strict warning to travellers, stating that transit passengers will only be allowed to travel if their onward connecting flights are confirmed and operational.
Passengers are advised to monitor the airline’s website and check for email notifications regarding flight changes or cancellations before heading to the airport.