Biman Toronto flight diverts to Heathrow after co-pilot falls ill

A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight bound for Toronto made an emergency diversion to London Heathrow Airport yesterday after the first officer suffered a medical emergency mid-flight, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Biman’s Flight BG305 is a scheduled thrice-weekly service operating from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka to Toronto Pearson International Airport via Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport.

The flight, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, departed Dhaka at 3:16am local time and arrived in Rome at 8:39am.

After nearly an hour on the ground for crew change and refuelling, the aircraft departed Rome at 10:28am (local) for Toronto. The flight was operated by Capt Enam Talukder and First Officer Adib, according to sources at Biman.

Approximately two hours after departing Rome, the first officer reportedly developed a serious medical condition while the aircraft was cruising over Europe. In response, the captain decided to divert the flight to Heathrow Airport, one of Biman’s scheduled international stations.

Sources said the captain acted promptly to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew.

Aviation observers noted that the long-haul route was being operated with only two pilots despite the technical and operational demands of the journey.

Flight BG305 landed safely at Heathrow at local time 11:50am, where emergency medical personnel were on standby. The first officer was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The flight later resumed its journey to Toronto at 2:55pm (local) after Biman arranged for another pilot, who had been in London on a mandatory rest period, to join the captain for the remainder of the flight.