Dense fog triggers protest, vandalism at Ctg airport

Passengers of several Biman Bangladesh Airlines flights faced severe disruption at Shah Amanat International Airport early Friday after their aircraft were diverted due to dense fog, triggering protests over prolonged delays and lack of basic facilities.

Airport officials said that between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM, three international flights from Delhi, Muscat and Kuwait were diverted to Shah Amanat, carrying more than 1,000 passengers. 

The flights were unable to continue to their destinations and remained grounded for several hours.

As the delay stretched beyond six hours, passengers complained that no food or adequate arrangements were provided. 

Growing frustration eventually led to protests inside the terminal, during which some airport chairs were vandalised.

The diverted flights later returned to Dhaka in the morning and afternoon. 

Passengers accused Biman Bangladesh Airlines of poor crisis management and demanded an investigation into the incident and accountability for the lack of passenger care.

Confirming the incident, Shah Amanat International Airport Public Relations Officer Engineer Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil said the passengers became agitated due to the prolonged wait and absence of food facilities. 

He acknowledged that several chairs were damaged during the protest but said security personnel managed to bring the situation under control.

SH