Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ BG306 flight from Toronto to Dhaka was held for more than seven hours at Rome Fiumicino Airport in Italy after an unexpected technical fault. The problem emerged at about 7:20 a.m. local time on Friday during a routine refuelling stop. Passengers said 260 people were still aboard the aircraft while it remained at the airport.

The flight departed Toronto at about 5 p.m. local time on Thursday for Dhaka, with a scheduled refuelling stop in Italy. After landing in Rome, passengers were told that the aircraft had developed a technical problem requiring repairs. As of 1:30 p.m. local time, the flight was still at the airport, and authorities could not confirm when it would resume its journey.

Biman said technical inspections and corrective work were under way to protect passenger safety and security. BG306 will leave Rome for Dhaka after the fault is fully resolved and required safety checks are completed. The airline said BG305, operating the Dhaka-Rome-Toronto route with the same aircraft, would also be delayed. Accommodation, meals and other necessary support were arranged for BG306 passengers in Rome.