Dense fog forced nine international flights to divert from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport between Thursday night and early Friday as runway remained invisible due to weather conditions.

Group Captain S M Ragib Samad, Executive Director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, confirmed the diversions were made for safety reasons when pilots could not see runway in thick fog.

Four flights were redirected to Chattogram Airport, four to Kolkata Airport and one to Bangkok Airport. Aircraft were unable to land at Dhaka's main airport during affected period.

Normal flight operations resumed after 9 am on Friday once weather cleared. Diverted flights have begun returning to Dhaka following improvement in visibility conditions.

Airport authorities took precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety by redirecting aircraft to alternative airports with better visibility. Dense fog during winter months regularly affects flight operations at airports across Bangladesh, particularly in early morning and late evening hours.

Passengers on affected flights experienced delays and inconvenience due to unexpected diversions. Airlines typically arrange alternative transportation or wait for weather clearance before resuming scheduled services to original destinations.

Winter fog remains persistent challenge for aviation sector in Bangladesh, with meteorological conditions often deteriorating rapidly during December and January. Airport officials monitor weather conditions closely and coordinate with pilots to make real-time decisions about landing safety.

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport handles majority of Bangladesh's international air traffic, making weather-related disruptions particularly impactful on travellers and airline schedules. Authorities recommend passengers check flight status before travelling to airport during foggy weather conditions.