Photo: Messenger
Bangladesh Biman Airlines, often referred to as Biman, is facing a pilot crisis, compelling it to operate flights on international routes in violation of international regulations. Pilots, who should complete 1000 duty hours annually, are logging 1200 to 1600 hours due to the crisis.
However, the national flag carrier obtained permission from the Civil Aviation Authority for 1200 hours, citing their own pilot crisis. Even beyond this allowance, they are making pilots work 400 to 500 hours of duty. The pilots are falling ill due to the pressure of excessive duty. On March 16, a flight had to return from Kolkata as a sick pilot was forced to work. In that incident, the airline also incurred a significant fine.
According to relevant sources, Biman currently operates 21 modern aircraft, including ATRs, Dash 8s, Boeing 737s, 787s, and 777s. However, according to IATA (International Air Transport Association) rules, 321 pilots are required for this number of aircraft. Yet, Biman only employs 150 pilots - less than half of what's needed.
Sources reveal that according to the regulations of ICAO, FAA, and other international organisations, no pilot of any commercial airline should operate more than 900 to 1,000 hours per year in any country. Bangladesh Biman has not only violated the rules by exceeding 1,200 hours but has also demanded additional hours while operating flights. Despite verbally complaining to the Bangladesh Civil Aviation, the pilots of Biman have not seen any results. In March, Bangladesh Biman's Chief Pilot Planning & Schedule, Captain Ishtiaq, informed the managing director and other high officials of Biman via email that it is not possible to schedule the pilots following the rules of Bangladesh Civil Aviation. That is, the Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) is being violated.
Even this violation of rules by Bangladesh Biman has recently come up in the audit of ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), where it was noted that due to the lack of proper monitoring by Bangladesh Civil Aviation, Biman is getting the opportunity to commit such major violations. For the past 2-3 years, Bangladesh Civil Aviation has been inactive, seemingly turning a blind eye to Biman's violations regarding FDTL, recruitment, training, checking, etc.
It is known that violating this law is a significant offense, with provisions for imposing moderate penalties on each pilot and airline. The Civil Aviation Authority even has the power to revoke the operating license of the airline. Many pilots of Biman are suffering from heart attacks and physical problems due to operating excessive flights in violation of the rules. There are even instances of Biman's pilots operating flights while ill, which is causing mental harm to the pilots as well.
On the other hand, when a pilot operates a flight while mentally or physically unwell, doubts about the safety of the aircraft and passengers arise. Even on March 16, after a pilot fell sick in Kolkata airspace shortly after take-off, the flight had to make an emergency return to Dhaka, resuming its journey six hours later.
Regarding this issue, multiple Biman pilots, who preferred not to be named, said that they are compelled to operate flights despite being unwell due to a shortage of pilots at Biman.
When contacted about this issue, Biman's Chief Pilot and Schedule Captain Ishtiaq's phone was found to be switched off.
Although Biman's Director of Flight Operations, Captain Siddique, acknowledged the pilot crisis, he declined to comment and suggested contacting their public relations department for a formal response.
However, when Biman's Public Relations General Manager, Tahera Khatun, was contacted, she also refrained from making any comments.
Additionally, multiple attempts to reach Captain Fariduzzaman, Principal Operations Inspector of Civil Aviation, were unsuccessful as his number was found to be switched off, preventing his statement from being obtained.
Aviation expert Khairul Alam Bhuiyan, who has extensive experience in the aviation industry, expressed his concern, saying, “This is a serious issue. Operating an aircraft with a sick pilot is extremely dangerous. Passenger safety is compromised, leading to potential fatalities.”
He emphasised, “We urge Biman authorities to adhere to all international rules when operating flights. Otherwise, the Civil Aviation authorities will take appropriate action against them.”
Messenger/Disha
