Passengers on the Sylhet–London route are facing significant disruption after a mechanical fault grounded a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
The aircraft, which typically carries 298 passengers, has been out of service for about a week. In its absence, flights are being operated with a smaller Boeing 787-8, accommodating only 271 passengers. This capacity shortfall has forced the airline to offload around 25–30 passengers per flight, leaving many stranded or rescheduled.
Biman’s Sylhet District Manager Shariful Hasan confirmed the issue, stating that although passengers are informed in advance, many still arrive at the airport due to communication gaps, particularly the lack of local contact numbers. The faulty aircraft remains grounded at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, where engineers are attempting repairs. However, no timeline has been set for its return.
The disruption has caused severe inconvenience, especially for passengers traveling from distant areas with perishable goods, many of which are spoiling due to delays. Frustration has also led to occasional confrontations between passengers and airline staff.
The situation is further exacerbated by the suspension of Sylhet–Manchester flights, leaving travelers with limited alternatives. The Sylhet–London route, which operates five weekly flights, is especially busy during this period as many UK-based expatriates return after Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. With schools reopening in April, delays are disrupting their schedules.
According to Sylhet Overseas Centre, around 500,000 Sylhetis live in the UK, making this route one of the busiest and most critical. The ongoing disruption has placed many of them in a difficult situation.
