Biman flight to Bangkok returns mid-air from Myanmar due to technical glitch

A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight to Bangkok was forced to return to Dhaka approximately an hour after takeoff today (6 August) due to a technical malfunction.

The flight, carrying 146 passengers, was later replaced with another aircraft to complete the journey.

According to Biman sources, flight BG-388 departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 12:06pm for Bangkok, Thailand, using a Boeing 737-800 with a capacity of 170 passengers. However, while flying over Myanmar's airspace, the pilot detected unusual engine vibrations and decided to return to Dhaka as a safety precaution. The aircraft landed safely at Dhaka airport at 1:21pm.

Al Masud Khan, manager of Biman's Public Relations Department, confirmed the incident, saying, "The Bangkok-bound flight returned to Dhaka after about an hour due to a technical fault. The cause is being investigated by the engineering department." 

The affected passengers were accommodated on a replacement Boeing 777, which departed for Bangkok at 6:02pm.

Sources at Biman said that the aircraft had a known history of engine issues and had been grounded for an extended period for repairs. It underwent a test flight on the Dhaka-Sylhet-Dhaka route on Monday, which appeared successful. Based on that test, it was cleared for the Bangkok flight. However, the same issue resurfaced shortly after takeoff today.

At least 12 Biman flights have reportedly been delayed due to technical problems in the past two months, raising concerns about fleet maintenance and safety protocols.