The operational activities at Chattogram, Cox's Bazar and Barishal airports have been shut since Monday afternoon due to inclement weather caused by Cyclone Sitrang.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) took the decision as a precautionary measure regarding the possible impact of the cyclonic storm at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and two other airports in Cox's Bazar and Barishal, according to a press release.
The CAAB said the take-off and landing at the airports stopped from 3:00pm and their operations will remain shut till 12 noon Tuesday.
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A decision on the resumption of flight operations will be taken later depending on weather conditions, it said.
Sources at the CAAB said that airlines have also been asked to secure their equipment so that they do not get damaged during the storm.
Cyclone Sitrang formed over the Bay of Bengal is approaching the coastal areas, including Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar and Barishal, with powerful wind, heavy rain and high tidal surges.
The weather system is likely to cross the Barishal-Chattogram coast by midnight or in the early hours of Tuesday, the Met office said in a special bulletin.
Meanwhile, flight operations are still normal at the country’s key airport in Dhaka.
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Executive Director Group Captain Mohammad Kamrul Islam said they are monitoring the situation in coordination with the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and any decision on halting operations will be taken after reviewing the weather conditions.
