A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight bound for Dammam, Saudi Arabia, was forced to return to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) this afternoon after the pilot detected a technical alert related to cabin pressure mid-air.
Flight BG-349, operated by a Boeing 777-ER aircraft, departed from Dhaka at 3:33 PM local time. However, after remaining airborne for nearly an hour, the pilot made the decision to return to the capital, landing safely at 4:33 PM, as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety.
According to Biman official sources, the wide-body aircraft, which has a seating capacity of approximately 450 passengers, was operating with nearly full occupancy. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot noticed an abnormal cabin pressure warning signal. Cabin pressure is crucial for maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for passengers and crew at high altitudes, typically simulating an altitude of 6,000 to 8,000 feet to prevent health issues like hypoxia.
“The pilot received a cabin pressure warning signal and chose to return to Dhaka without taking any risks,” Al Masud Khan, Manager of Public Relations for the national flag carrier, told BSS. He emphasized that the decision was made purely in the interest of passenger safety.
Following the safe return, passengers were disembarked and later flown to Dammam on an alternative aircraft provided by Biman. Meanwhile, the original aircraft underwent a thorough inspection by Biman’s engineering team and was subsequently declared fit for operation. “The same aircraft is scheduled to operate another flight tonight,” Khan confirmed, indicating the issue was promptly resolved.
