In a significant humanitarian gesture, US-Bangla Airlines repatriated 27 stranded crew members of the national carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, from Dubai on Thursday.

The crew members, along with 351 other Bangladeshi nationals, arrived safely at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport aboard a special evacuation flight as the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate.

The Biman flight crews had been stuck in the United Arab Emirates for five days following the sudden eruption of hostilities on February 28. Their prolonged stay in the region had sparked growing anxiety among their families in Bangladesh.

US-Bangla Airlines organized the repatriation effort using a 436-seat Airbus A330-300, specifically securing permission from the Dubai Airport Authority to operate these emergency services.

According to a press release from the airline, this mission is part of a broader commitment to assist fellow citizens and aviation professionals during regional crises.

A second special repatriation flight is scheduled to land in Dhaka on Friday morning, March 6, to bring home more Bangladeshis affected by the evolving security situation.

"The initiative reflects our commitment as a service-oriented airline to assist our citizens and colleagues in the aviation industry during such emergencies," a spokesperson for US-Bangla stated.

Aviation officials noted that the airline remains on standby to operate further evacuation flights if the situation in the Middle East necessitates additional rescues.