Biman bans cabin crew from carrying suit hangers on select Middle East flights
The directive also aims to prevent crew from transporting additional items weighing between five and ten kilograms in suit hangers
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has introduced new regulations prohibiting cabin crew operating flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Medina, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Doha, Kuwait, and Muscat from carrying suit hangers.
Sources within Biman explained that the measure was taken after a section of cabin crew were found carrying smuggled goods, including gold, inside suit hangers.
The directive also aims to prevent crew from transporting additional items weighing between five and ten kilograms in suit hangers.
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In a circular issued on 17 September, Biman stated, "From now on, cabin crew are strictly prohibited from carrying suit hangers on flights bound for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Medina, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Doha, Kuwait, and Muscat. This instruction must be followed without exception. The directive was issued as per higher authority instructions. Any failure to comply will be considered a serious breach of duty."
Long-haul destinations, including London, Manchester, Istanbul, and Toronto, have been exempted, though no explanation was provided.
A senior Biman official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the airline incurs significant additional fuel costs every year due to the excessive weight carried in suit hangers.
Typically, Biman deploys 10 cabin crew on Boeing 787 flights, 12 on Boeing 777 flights, and 4 on Boeing 737 flights, sources confirmed.
The airline first introduced a service jacket for male pursers during meal distribution when business class was incorporated on any aircraft in 1984. Male pursers subsequently requested suit hangers or dust covers to carry their jackets.
Over time, all cabin crew began using suit hangers to transport additional clothing, even when they already had luggage.
Crew members often argue that an extra set of uniform is necessary during meal service as their clothes sometimes get dirty. However, Biman officials have dismissed this as an excuse, noting that additional uniforms can be carried in hand luggage.
