Dhaka, Mar 14 (V7N) — In the past 15 days, a total of 491 flights have departed from Dhaka to various Middle Eastern countries, with the highest number of flights going to Saudi Arabia, according to the Flight Management Department of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Statistical data shows that between February 28 and March 14, 247 flights were operated to Saudi Arabia, accounting for more than half of all flights. In addition, 96 flights went to Muscat, Oman, and 140 flights to cities in the United Arab Emirates.

The busiest day was March 12, when 48 flights left Dhaka for the Middle East — 23 to Saudi Arabia, 9 to Muscat, and 16 to different cities in the UAE. Among UAE destinations, Dubai saw the highest number with 77 flights, followed by Sharjah with 49 and Abu Dhabi with 14.

Airport officials said the increase in flights since the beginning of March is due to high demand from Umrah pilgrims and expatriate workers returning to their jobs in the Middle East.

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