London-bound Biman makes emergency landing in Sofia due to onboard sick passenger

A London-bound flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines made an emergency landing in Bulgeria's Sofia International Airport on Friday after a passenger fell sick onboard. 

The doctors at Sofia Airport praised us for diverting the flight and bringing the patient on time, Captain Ishtiaq, the pilot in command (PIC) of the flight said.

A senior citizen boarded the Boeing Dreamliner 787 but suddenly developed high blood pressure and breathing problems mid-flight. When the cabin crew reported the passenger's illness to the flight captain, he immediately asked to see if there was a doctor on board. Hearing the announcement, a doctor came forward to help the patient.

The passenger was provided oxygen and other necessary medicines. When his physical condition worsened, the doctor said they could do no more aboard the flight. Now he needed immediate admission to the hospital for treatment.

“We decided to divert the flight and land at the nearest airport. After contacting ATC of Sofia International Airport showing a medical emergency, I diverted the flight and landed there in a record 25 minutes,” added the captain.

The 84-year-old passenger started his journey from Sylhet to London. He had a 'fit to fly' medical certificate, said the officer.

However, the flight was delayed for 3 hours to arrive at Heathrow Airport in London due to the emergency landing.