Emirates cancels Dubai flights to Dhaka amid civil unrest

Flydubai also revises schedule as carriers urge affected passengers to contact them for support

Emirates cancelled five flights on Friday following violent protests in Bangladesh's capital. Photo: Emirates

Emirates is cancelling flights to Bangladesh amid the country's continuing unrest.

The South Asian nation is facing mass street protests over civil service job quotas that opponents say are discriminatory, with at least 39 people killed in clashes between protesters and police.

Emirates has cancelled five flights due to fly to and from Dhaka on Friday. Impacted flight numbers are EK585, EK582, EK583, EK586 and EK587.

The airline says it is monitoring the situation and apologised to travellers for any inconvenience caused. It advised passengers to contact the airline directly or the travel agent they booked with to arrange alternative travel plans.

Emirates also said travellers should ensure their contact details are correct to receive any further changes to flight plans from the airline.

Flydubai has also made changes to its Dhaka services. “Flydubai flights to Dhaka International Airport between July 20 and July 23 will operate with a revised departure time,” a representative for the airline told The National.

Flight FZ 501 from Dubai International Airport will now depart at 7am, instead of 12.10am. The return flight, FZ502, will leave Dhaka at 3pm.

The airline advised that it is reaching out to impacted passengers.

Cathay Pacific announced special ticketing guidelines for passengers due to travel to or from Dhaka before July 26.

The Hong Kong airline is waiving rerouting and rebooking charges for travellers who wish to change their flight plans in light of the protests.

Violence erupted in Dhaka on Thursday as thousands of protesters stormed state broadcaster Bangladesh Television and set fire to the building, according to reports.

Demonstrators vandalised furniture and carried out “destructive activities” on numerous police and government offices, police said.

Tear gas and rubber bullets were reportedly used by officers as students blocked the streets.