Air India Cancels Dhaka Flights Amid Bangladesh Unrest
Bangladesh Protests: Amid the escalating violence in Bangladesh and the rapidly changing situation following Sheikh Hasina’s departure, Air India announced on Monday, August 5, the immediate suspension of its flight operations to and from Dhaka. The airline assured passengers with confirmed tickets of its support.
“In response to the emerging situation in Bangladesh, we have cancelled our scheduled flights to and from Dhaka effective immediately. We are closely monitoring the situation and are providing support to passengers with confirmed bookings by offering a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges. Ensuring the safety of our guests and crew remains our highest priority,” Air India stated on X.
Similarly, Indigo Airlines issued a travel advisory regarding the political unrest in Bangladesh. The airline posted on X, “Due to the ongoing situation in Dhaka, all flights scheduled for tomorrow have been cancelled. We understand this may cause significant inconvenience and disruption to your travel plans and we sincerely regret this development.”
The unrest peaked when thousands of protesters stormed the Prime Minister’s Palace in Dhaka on Monday. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned shortly before the incident and left for London via India. Protesters infiltrated the PM House and looted various items.
The protests began as peaceful demonstrations by students demanding the abolition of a quota system for government jobs. However, the movement quickly evolved into a larger challenge against Hasina and her ruling Awami League party. The government’s use of force to suppress the protests resulted in nearly 300 deaths, further inflaming public anger and calls for Hasina’s resignation.
In recent weeks, over 11,000 people have been arrested. The unrest has led to the closure of schools and universities nationwide, with authorities even imposing a shoot-on-sight curfew at one point.
Despite offering to negotiate with student leaders on Saturday, a coordinator rejected Hasina’s overtures and insisted on her resignation. Hasina reiterated her commitment to investigating the deaths and holding those responsible accountable, expressing her willingness to engage in dialogue whenever the protesters were ready.
