US-Bangla Airlines on Thursday brought back 27 Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight crew members, who had been stranded in the United Arab Emirates amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, along with hundreds of Bangladeshi passengers on special evacuation flights.
The Biman crew members had been stuck in the UAE for five days since the conflict escalated on 28 February, causing uncertainty and anxiety for their families back home.
US-Bangla Airlines facilitated their return as part of a humanitarian effort to assist stranded Bangladeshi nationals in the region, the airline said in a press release issued on Thursday.
According to the airline, two special flights were operated with permission from the Dubai Airport Authority to repatriate Bangladeshis affected by the evolving situation in the Middle East.
One special flight, carrying 378 passengers, including the 27 Biman crew members, landed safely at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday.
Another special flight is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Friday morning (6 March) as part of the same repatriation initiative.
The flights are being operated using a 436-seat Airbus A330-300 aircraft.
US-Bangla Airlines said the initiative reflects its commitment as a service-orientated airline to assist fellow citizens and aviation professionals during emergencies.
Family members of the Biman crew had endured anxious days during their stay in the UAE, and their safe return has brought relief to their loved ones.
Officials added that the airline remains prepared to take further measures if required, depending on developments in the Middle East.
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