UK-Bound Bangladeshi Passengers Denied Boarding Despite Valid Visas and Tickets

Several Bangladeshi passengers travelling from Dhaka and Sylhet to the United Kingdom are being denied boarding passes despite holding valid UK visas, confirmed air tickets, and complete travel documents, sparking widespread concern and financial hardship.
Since January 30, multiple passengers have reported being stopped at check-in counters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet. Affected travellers include holders of student visas, dependent visas, and even UK permanent residence permits.
According to airport sources and victims, airline check-in systems are displaying “systematic error” messages or indicating “restrictions from the UK Home Office,” even though passengers insist their immigration status is fully valid.
Passengers Face Severe Hardship
Shafiqul Rahman, a passenger from Sylhet, said he and his wife were travelling to the UK under the same visa category. While his wife received a boarding pass, he was denied one without any explanation. As his ticket was non-refundable, he was forced to stay back while his wife travelled alone, resulting in a significant financial loss.
Another UK-based Bangladeshi traveller said he was offloaded from a Manchester-bound flight on January 30 due to a “system error,” while other family members on the same flight were allowed to travel. He claimed that at least 7 to 10 passengers were denied boarding that day alone, with the number increasing daily.
What Authorities Say
Md. Hafiz Ahmed, Director of Sylhet Osmani International Airport, said the issue was neither specific to the airport nor to Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
“This is not an internal problem of the airport or the airline. During check-in, clearance from the British Home Office server is not coming through for many Bangladeshi passport holders. Without that clearance, boarding passes cannot be issued,” he said.
He advised passengers to contact the UK Home Office for clarification. Attempts to reach Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ Sylhet station manager and its UK and Ireland country manager for comment were unsuccessful.
Airline sources confirmed that when the Home Office system shows a restriction, airlines are compelled to offload passengers to avoid penalties.
Why Is This Happening?
Immigration experts say the problem stems mainly from the UK’s transition to a fully digital e-Visa system.
e-Visa and passport linking issues:
The UK government is phasing out physical immigration documents, such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), by December 31, 2024. Many migrants have migrated to e-Visas but failed to update newly renewed Bangladeshi passports in their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) accounts. As a result, airline systems cannot verify their status.
System delays or glitches:
Airlines rely on the Interactive Advance Passenger Information (iAPI) system. Even when a visa is valid, delays or glitches in data synchronisation can trigger errors at check-in counters.
Not limited to Bangladesh:
Similar incidents have been reported involving travellers from India, Pakistan, and Nigeria, particularly among those who recently renewed passports without updating UKVI records.
What Passengers Should Do
Immigration specialists and airline officials recommend the following steps to avoid disruption:
Check UKVI account:
Log in at least 48 hours before travel to ensure immigration status shows as “active.”
Update passport details:
Ensure the current passport number is correctly linked to the e-Visa or UKVI account.
Carry a share code:
Generate and keep a printed or digital copy of the immigration “share code,” which can sometimes help resolve issues at the counter.
Contact the Home Office if unsure:
London-based immigration lawyer Barrister Salahuddin Sumon advises passengers to verify their status with the UK Home Office helpline before travelling if there is any doubt.
As the UK continues its shift toward a fully digital immigration system, affected passengers are urging authorities and airlines to introduce clearer guidance and emergency resolution mechanisms to prevent further disruption.