Bomb threat on Biman flight from Kathmandu prompts alert at HSIA

Bomb threat on Biman flight to Kathmandu prompts emergency response at HSIA

A bomb threat targeting a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight bound for Kathmandu triggered heightened security protocols at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) this afternoon, leading to the safe evacuation of passengers and a temporary suspension of the flight.

“At 4:26 pm, we received an anonymous phone call claiming a bomb threat on Biman flight BG373 (Boeing 737-800) headed for Kathmandu. At that moment, the aircraft was taxiing with 142 passengers and 7 crew members on board,” said Group Captain SM Ragib Samad, Executive Director of HSIA.

Acting under the directive of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman, emergency procedures were swiftly activated. The Air Force task force and Aviation Security (AVSEC) secured the area, while the Bangladesh Air Force bomb disposal unit and Airport Police Battalion’s (APBn) dog squad responded immediately. They were later joined by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) bomb disposal team, which carried out detailed inspections of the aircraft and its baggage.

All passengers were safely evacuated, screened, and taken to the airport lounge.

Flight operations at HSIA have continued without disruption, and the situation is fully under control.

“The flight will depart once it receives clearance from the security authorities,” said Biman’s General Manager (Public Relations) ABM Rausan Kabir.