The Indian airlines IndiGo and Air India have announced the cancellation of their scheduled flights to Bangladesh.
Airlines State
In a tweet, Air India stated: "In view of the emerging situation in Bangladesh, we have cancelled the scheduled operation of our flights to and from Dhaka with immediate effect. We 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. Safety of our guests and crew remains our foremost priority. For more information, please call our 24/7 Contact Centre at 011-69329333 / 011-69329999."
IndiGo, too, has cancelled its scheduled flights for August 6, 2024, to Dhaka, posting, "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."
Bangladesh on Fire
Bangladesh is currently facing massive violent protests in the country, which has caused the death of more than 300 people so far. The protests started over the quota system in the country, which reserves 30% of government jobs for family members of veterans from Bangladesh's 1971 war with Pakistan. As a result of the protests and uproar from the general public, the country's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, resigned from her post and fled the country earlier today. Protestors have now also stormed Gonobhaban, the PM's residence in Dhaka. Bangladesh's Army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, has announced that the military will now form an "interim government" in the country, urging the protestors to back down.
Hasina landed in India's Hindon Air Force base in an army transport. Ever since her resignation, India's Border Security Force has put the situation on high alert. Various train routes passing near the borders have also been diverted or cancelled.