A Biman Bangladesh Airlines aircraft lost one of its rear wheels shortly after takeoff from Cox’s Bazar and made an emergency landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, prompting a temporary suspension of flight operations for around 30 minutes on Saturday.
 
All passengers and crew members on board remained safe, according to the airline authorities.
 
Airport and air traffic control (ATC) sources said the aircraft, operating flight BG-436 from Cox’s Bazar to Dhaka, was registered as S2-AKI. After receiving information that a wheel had detached shortly after takeoff, the pilot sent an emergency message to the Dhaka control tower.
 
Before landing, the pilot had to circle in the air to reduce the aircraft’s weight by burning off fuel and allow airport authorities to complete the necessary safety preparations.
 
According to flight-tracking data, the aircraft circled several times over Nagarpur and Delduar areas of Tangail. It was flying at an altitude of around 6,100 feet at a speed of 188 knots during the manoeuvres.
 
As part of the emergency response, takeoffs and landings were temporarily suspended at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to clear the runway for the aircraft.
 
According to Dhaka Tower, the runway remained closed from 3PM to 3:30PM, during which all flight movements were suspended.
 
Fire service personnel, ambulances and other emergency response teams were kept ready on the runway to deal with any eventuality.
 
The pilot subsequently landed the aircraft safely. Biman authorities said no passengers or crew members were injured in the incident.