Mechanical fault on Novoair flight, emergency landing at Shahjalal Airport

A Novoair flight from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar made an emergency landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after having a mechanical fault shortly after takeoff. The aircraft circled in the air for about 40 to 45 minutes before landing safely, as its landing gear failed to retract properly. The flight was carrying Prime Minister’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs, Humayun Kabir.

The Novoair aircraft took off from Dhaka around 6:50 pm on Friday. Confirming the incident, Humayun Kabir said the problem was detected about 10 to 15 minutes after takeoff, when the landing gear did not retract normally despite repeated attempts by the captain. Considering the situation, the pilot decided to return to Dhaka.

“I am not an expert in aviation, but personally I felt the captain’s decision was absolutely right. He returned to Dhaka prioritising riders'safety,” Kabir said. He added that panic spread inside the aircraft during the incident, with children crying and passengers becoming increasingly anxious.

Following the incident, the advisor stressed the need for stricter fitness inspections of older aircraft operated by private airlines. He said the fitness of such planes must be checked more rigorously, noting that there should be no compromise on safety matters over civil aircraft operations.

“If regular and effective fitness checks are not ensured, there is a risk of more serious accidents in the future. This is directly linked not only to aviation safety but also to the lives and security of the passengers,” he added.