A formal inquiry has been launched into the conduct of a Biman Bangladesh Airlines pilot following a fatal medical emergency aboard a London-bound flight. The investigation centres on the decision to bypass several nearby international airports in favour of a three-hour return journey to Dhaka, during which time the stricken passenger succumbed to their illness.
The Flight Path and Decision
On 31 December 2025, flight BG 201, operating the Sylhet-to-London route, was traversing Pakistani airspace near Lahore when a passenger was reported to be in a critical condition. The aircraft was under the command of Captain Alia Mannan.
In such scenarios, aviation safety protocols generally dictate a “diversion to the nearest suitable airport.” However, rather than seeking an emergency landing in Lahore or nearby hubs, the Pilot in Command opted to execute a U-turn and fly back to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. By the time the aircraft touched down three hours later, medical personnel confirmed that the passenger had passed away.
Table: Incident Profile and Operational Data
| Metric | Details |
| Flight Number | BG 201 (Sylhet to London Heathrow) |
| Date of Incident | 31 December 2025 |
| Pilot in Command | Captain Alia Mannan |
| Crisis Location | Near Lahore, Pakistan |
| Diversion Choice | Dhaka, Bangladesh (Approx. 3 hours return) |
| Outcome | Passenger pronounced dead upon arrival |
| Key Inquiry Focus | Deviation from standard medical emergency protocols |
Scrutiny of Emergency Protocols
Boshra Islam, General Manager of Public Relations for Biman, stated that a dedicated committee is now investigating the rationale behind the captain’s decision. The probe aims to determine if the pilot’s choice was influenced by technical factors, such as landing fees or maintenance preferences, rather than the immediate medical needs of the passenger.
This is not the first time the national carrier has faced such scrutiny. In 2023, a similar incident occurred on a London flight where, despite a medical crisis, the pilot chose to continue the full journey to Heathrow. Aviation analysts argue that such inconsistencies suggest a need for more rigorous training on Emergency Medical Diversion (EMD) criteria.
The “Hidden Illness” Epidemic
Airline insiders suggest that ground-staff pressure and passenger secrecy are contributing factors to these tragedies. Many elderly or unwell travellers reportedly withhold information about their medical history to ensure they are not denied boarding.
“The stress of long-haul travel—specifically the changes in cabin pressure, lower oxygen saturation, and the exhaustion of overnight flying—is often underestimated by passengers with pre-existing conditions,” an anonymous Biman official remarked. Despite the airline’s pleas for transparency, many travellers rely on the assistance of ground staff to board whilst physically unfit for a ten-hour flight.
The investigation is expected to release its findings within the month, potentially leading to new mandatory health screening protocols for elderly passengers on ultra-long-haul routes.