Biman flight stranded in Rome finally arrives in Dhaka

The Biman Bangladesh Airlines Toronto-Dhaka flight, which was stranded in Rome due to technical issues, has finally arrived in Dhaka. The flight safely landed at Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) International Airport at 12:24pm on Sunday, August 9.

Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) International Airport Executive Director S M Ragib Samad confirmed the matter to media.

According to airport and Biman sources, the flight BG 306 departed Toronto, Canada, for Dhaka on Thursday, August 6, with 259 passengers on board. During a stopover for refuelling at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International Airport on Friday, a technical fault was detected. After engineers failed to resolve the issue despite eight hours of effort, the flight was temporarily cancelled.

A special engineering team from Biman Bangladesh Airlines arrived in Rome from Dhaka with necessary spare parts and equipment at 11:15pm (Bangladesh time) on Saturday to carry out repairs. After quick repairs by the engineers, the aircraft was declared airworthy and departed for Dhaka.

Meanwhile, passengers faced immense hardship during the prolonged delay in Italy. Passengers alleged that they were kept inside the aircraft for nearly eight hours after landing in Rome. Due to a lack of adequate air circulation and the long wait, many passengers, especially children, the elderly and those with health conditions, fell ill.

Due to visa complications in Italy, local immigration authorities did not allow Bangladeshi passport holders to be taken to any hotel outside the airport. They were forced to remain inside the airport terminal and lounges. Although a lounge was arranged around 11pm, the space was insufficient, forcing many passengers to sleep on the floor and chairs.

Passengers further alleged that timely food supplies were not provided during the long transit. Additionally, many passengers' essential medicines and insulin were in their checked luggage, preventing them from taking their medication on time.