Biman blames Nagpur airport for Dubai-bound passengers' suffering

It says India’s local restrictions and airport's limitations caused disruptions

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has admitted its failure to fully assist passengers of the emergency-landed flight in India’s Nagpur after reports surfaced in the media, contradicting its earlier claim of "full support”.

The national flag carrier blamed Nagpur airport authorities' “limitations” and, in some cases, “lack of cooperation” for the failure.

In a statement issued on Sunday, four days after the incident, Biman said local restrictions in India and operational constraints at Nagpur airport led to the suffering, which was "beyond its control”.

According to the statement, Indian authorities did not grant temporary landing permits, preventing the airline from arranging hotel accommodations.

In addition, Nagpur airport was closed for maintenance from 1:30pm the next day, delaying the rescue aircraft’s departure for Dubai with the passengers.

On Feb 19, a Dubai-bound Biman Bangladesh Airlines Boeing-777 made an emergency landing at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur due to a technical glitch.

The next day, Biman issued a statement saying all passengers and crew were safe and had received "comprehensive support”.

The airline added that they were flown to Dubai on another Biman flight.

However, after passengers arrived in Dubai, they began sharing their experiences on social media, contradicting Biman’s claims.

A video depicting the passengers' suffering went viral, sparking widespread criticism of the state-owned airline.

On Sunday, Biman issued a new statement providing an official explanation of the incident.

Along with blaming Nagpur airport’s “limitations and lack of cooperation” for disruptions, it accused two passengers who shared the video of “incitement”.

The statement said Biman's Dhaka-Dubai flight BG-347 departed from Dhaka at 8:40pm on Feb 19. The Boeing-777 carried two pilots, ten cabin crew members, 396 passengers, and 22 tonnes of cargo.

While flying over Nagpur, the captain received a fire alarm from the rear cargo compartment in the cockpit. At the time, passengers were being served dinner.

Biman said the pilot-in-command followed standard procedures and, in line with flight operation protocols, landed safely at Nagpur Airport at 11:27pm Bangladesh time.

Before landing, the pilot informed passengers about the decision via an in-flight announcement.

After landing, passengers were evacuated and taken by several buses to a location about half a kilometre from the aircraft.

"The airport authorities did not allow the 408 passengers and crew to enter the terminal for over an hour and 20 minutes.

“Despite repeated requests for water and toilet facilities, Nagpur airport authorities cited security clearance procedures and denied access.

"This caused severe distress to all passengers, especially elderly individuals and women. They were finally allowed into the terminal lounge at 1am," the statement read.

Biman said its Dhaka office emailed Nagpur airport authorities, requesting breakfast and lunch arrangements for passengers while assuring full cost coverage.

"Nagpur authorities said they needed three to four hours to prepare food for such a large number of passengers. The airport is not equipped to regularly handle large aircraft like the Boeing-777.”

"When requested to accommodate passengers in hotels, Indian authorities refused to issue temporary landing permits, forcing them to remain in the terminal," the statement said.

Biman added that its Delhi station manager reached Nagpur at 9:15am the next day to assist the passengers but had to wait a long time before being allowed inside.

"Around 3am, passengers were given water. At 7am, tea and more water were provided, while breakfast was served at 10:30am.

“Due to limited catering facilities in Nagpur, serving breakfast took longer," Biman said.