Abrupt glitch in PM's flight, civil aviation minister expresses regret
Civil Aviation Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat. File photo.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG 377 encountered a mechanical fault while returning to Dhaka from Narita, Japan. The flight later began its journey after about five hours. Civil Aviation Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat expressed his regret over the passengers' suffering caused by this sudden mechanical fault.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday evening local Japanese time, the civil aviation minister said, "Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is on the aircraft. BG 377 has resumed its journey after fixing the mechanical fault and ensuring all kinds of safety."
The minister, who is accompanying the PM, expressed hope that "we will be able to land safely in Dhaka."
Earlier, BG 377 began its journey around 10:50 pm local time. Before that, engineers were able to fix the aircraft's mechanical fault after about four hours of effort. They had said the fault was mainly in the software system.
After that, the passengers were informed from the airport counter that "the aircraft has become operational after fixing the fault. Boarding will begin again shortly."
Earlier, when the aircraft encountered the mechanical fault, the PM and members of his delegation disembarked from the plane, along with other passengers. They stayed in the airport lounge for about four hours.
At that time, the flight's pilot, Captain Imamul, had said that engineers were working to fix the fault.
The flight was scheduled to take off from Narita International Airport at around 6 pm local time on Thursday. However, about 40 minutes after the scheduled time, the pilot informed boarders about the delay in the journey due to a mechanical fault and expressed regret. Later, the aircraft was taxied back to the tarmac.
