Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has refuted bribery allegations circulating through a viral video, explaining that a passenger was charged standard rescheduling fees after missing his flight deadline.

Viral footage showed Md Shah Alam disputing charges at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Friday.

On Saturday, CAAB clarified thourg a press release that passenger arrived at Saudi Airlines check-in counter at 11:31 am, six minutes after the 11:25am closure time for flight SV-807 to Riyadh.

Authority explained that international regulations mandate check-in counters close one hour before departure. Saudi Airlines had extended the deadline by five minutes until 11:30am as a passenger service measure. Flight was scheduled to depart at 12:25pm.

Shah Alam entered through Heavy Luggage Gate-01 at 11:28am but reached Row E counter after closure. Airlines had already confirmed flight load, making check-in impossible. Staff directed him to Saudi Airlines office for ticket rescheduling.

According to Saudi Airlines policy, passengers missing check-in face 800 Saudi Riyal penalty. Fare depends on seat availability and class. Shah Alam was asked to pay Tk 33 thousand as legitimate rescheduling charge, not bribery as alleged in the video.

Passenger returned from airline office at 11:42am and began recording video at counter at 11:45am, creating disturbance. AVSEC personnel intervened to calm the situation and restore order.

With assistance from AVSEC members and Saudi Airlines staff, Shah Alam rescheduled his ticket for December 13 after paying Tk 34,332. He exited through staff gate at 1:19pm on 12th December.

Shah Alam successfully departed Dhaka for Jeddah on rescheduled flight SV-807 at approximately 1:00pm on 13th December. CAAB emphasized its commitment to quality passenger service under 'Passengers First' principle while following international aviation standards.

Source: Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB)