A NOVOAir flight bound for Cox's Bazar made an emergency landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Friday evening after developing a technical fault shortly after takeoff, with Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Civil Aviation Humayun Kabir among the passengers.
The airline's flight VQ-935 departed Dhaka at around 6:50 pm. About 10 to 15 minutes after takeoff, the crew detected a technical problem when the aircraft's landing gear failed to retract normally, said Humayun Kabir.
According to the adviser, the pilot made several unsuccessful attempts to retract the landing gear before deciding to return to Dhaka as a precaution.
The aircraft remained airborne for around 40 to 45 minutes to reduce weight and prepare for a safe landing before making an emergency landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport without incident.
"I am not an aviation expert, but I believe the captain made the right decision by prioritising passenger safety and returning to Dhaka," Humayun Kabir said.
He said the situation caused anxiety among passengers, with children crying and many travellers becoming visibly concerned during the flight.
Kabir said the aircraft had to remain in the air for some time because the landing gear could not be retracted, allowing the pilot to reduce speed and prepare for a safe landing.
"By the grace of Allah, the aircraft landed safely, and a major accident was avoided," he added.
Following the incident, the adviser stressed the need for stricter airworthiness inspections of older aircraft operated by private airlines.
He said passenger safety should never be compromised and called for regular and rigorous fitness checks of commercial aircraft to minimise the risk of future accidents.