Biman pilot faces probe after passenger dies

A passenger travelling from Sylhet to London died after falling ill on board a Biman Bangladesh flight, prompting an investigation into the pilot’s actions.

The incident occurred on Dec 31 on flight BG 201, operated by Captain Alia Mannan. Airline officials said the passenger became unwell while the plane was over Pakistan, near Lahore.

Instead of making an emergency landing at a nearby airport, the pilot returned the flight to Dhaka, which took around three hours. The passenger was later declared dead.

Biman has formed a committee to investigate the matter, a spokesperson said.

This is not the first such incident on the London route. Two years ago, a Bangladesh-origin British citizen fell ill shortly after take-off, but the pilot did not divert the flight, landing it at London Heathrow, leading to criticism.

A Biman official, speaking anonymously, said foreign airlines often hesitate to carry elderly or unwell passengers and sometimes require a “fit-to-fly” certificate.

“But airlines cannot refuse passengers in many cases, and some passengers hide their health conditions with the help of ground staff,” the official said.

The official explained that certain medical conditions make passengers vulnerable to air pressure changes during take-off or landing.

Some experience panic attacks or become unwell due to turbulence or fatigue, especially on overnight flights with jet lag. Biman advises passengers not to hide any health issues before travel.