Air Astra says mechanical issue—not passenger's forgotten sherwani—forced flight back

A passenger says it was something that could “only happen in Bangladesh”

An Air Astra flight bound for Chattogram on Friday has sparked controversy after returning to the bay while taxiing, with passengers alleging it turned back because a traveller had forgotten his sherwani at home.

According to two passengers, the man, travelling with his family to attend a wedding, realised after departure from the bay that he had left behind the traditional outfit.

He reportedly asked cabin crew to stop the aircraft, argued with them, identified himself as a Biman Bangladesh Airlines first officer, and the pilot later announced the flight was returning to allow him to disembark.

Air Astra, however, said the aircraft was actually brought back because its air-conditioning unit malfunctioned.

The dispute with the passenger occurred simultaneously, but CEO Imran Asif said the pilot's "incomplete" announcement created the misunderstanding.

Under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rules, an aircraft cannot normally stop after departure except in emergencies, including medical incidents, security threats, technical faults or air traffic control instructions.

Aviation expert Kazi Wahidul Alam said no civil aviation law permits stopping a flight solely at a passenger's request, calling for a thorough investigation over the safety and professional ethics questions raised.

Asif said the aircraft had experienced air-conditioning problems before departure.

After initial checks, it reportedly taxied towards the runway, but the pilot later received indications the cabin temperature had reached a critical level and informed air traffic control they were returning because of the fault.

The aircraft was subsequently withdrawn from service and passengers were flown to Chattogram on a US-Bangla Airlines aircraft. About three hours later, the passenger returned with his wedding attire and boarded the replacement flight.

Other passengers reacted angrily. One private bank official, requesting anonymity, said he could not believe the pilot's announcement that the aircraft was turning back for one passenger.

Air Astra said it had documentary evidence of the technical fault and would submit it to the government after authorities sought an explanation.