PM’s adviser safe after NovoAir emergency landing

A NovoAir flight carrying Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Civil Aviation Humayun Kabir made an emergency landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Friday after developing a technical fault shortly after take-off for Cox’s Bazar.

All passengers landed safely and no injuries were reported after the aircraft remained airborne for about 45 minutes before returning to Dhaka.

Flight BQ-935 departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 6:50 pm. According to Humayun Kabir, the aircraft developed a mechanical fault around 10 to 15 minutes after take-off when its landing gear failed to retract.

Despite several attempts by the captain, the landing gear could not be retracted. Considering passenger safety, the pilot decided to abandon the flight to Cox’s Bazar and return to Dhaka.

The aircraft remained in the air for about 40 to 45 minutes before making a safe emergency landing.
Humayun Kabir praised the captain’s decision, saying the safety of passengers had been given the highest priority.

“I am not an aviation expert, but I believe the captain made the right decision by returning to Dhaka for the safety of everyone on board,” he said. He said panic spread among passengers during the incident, with many children crying and others becoming anxious.

According to the adviser, the aircraft remained in the air to allow the pilot to reduce speed before landing with the landing gear extended.

Following the emergency landing, Humayun Kabir called for stricter fitness inspections of ageing aircraft operated by private airlines.

He said passenger safety must never be compromised and stressed that regular and effective airworthiness inspections are essential to prevent more serious accidents in the future.