DHAKA: (Oct 18) A massive fire broke out on Saturday afternoon at the cargo complex of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Bangladesh’s capital, forcing authorities to suspend all flight operations as thick black smoke engulfed the area.
There were no immediate reports of casualties, officials said.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), the blaze erupted around 2:30 p.m., prompting a large-scale emergency response involving firefighters, the army, navy, air force, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
“We received the information at 2:30 p.m. and immediately dispatched our units to join the ones deployed at the airport,” said Fire Service spokesman Talha Bin Zasim. “Thirty-six firefighting units are engaged in the operation.”
CAAB officials said the Bangladesh Air Force’s fire units also joined the rescue efforts.
“Landings and takeoffs of all aircraft have been suspended until further notice. All our aircraft are confirmed safe,” a CAAB spokesperson said.
At least nine flights scheduled to land in Dhaka were diverted—eight to Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and one to Osmani International Airport in Sylhet, officials confirmed.
Local media reports said chemicals stored in the cargo zone posed a major challenge for firefighters trying to contain the blaze. Eyewitnesses described the fire as “massive,” with thick plumes of smoke blanketing large parts of the airport and nearby areas.
The fire marks the third major incident of its kind in Bangladesh in just five days, raising concerns about safety standards and emergency preparedness at key installations.
Authorities said efforts to fully extinguish the blaze and assess the damage were ongoing as of Saturday evening.