Major Fire Halts All Flights at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal Airport

A massive fire broke out at the cargo terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon, prompting the temporary suspension of all flight operations and the diversion of multiple inbound aircraft to alternative airports. The incident, which occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time near Gate 8, has mobilised an extensive emergency response involving firefighting units from across Bangladesh's security and civil agencies. As of the latest updates, no casualties have been reported, and airport officials have confirmed the safety of all grounded aircraft, though the blaze continues to pose significant challenges to air traffic in the region.

Fire Service spokesman Talha Bin Jashim reported that 36 firefighting units are actively engaged in battling the flames, with additional support from specialised teams. The airport's executive director, Md Masudul Hasan Masud, acknowledged the severity of the situation in statements to local media, emphasising that comprehensive emergency protocols are in effect. "All our aircraft are confirmed safe. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops," a spokesperson relayed to The Daily Star. The fire's origin remains under investigation, but preliminary accounts suggest it may have stemmed from electrical or storage-related issues in the cargo area, a critical hub handling international freight for Bangladesh's bustling aviation sector.

The response effort has seen seamless coordination among multiple national entities, underscoring the incident's scale. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) detailed the involvement of the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh Fire Service, Bangladesh Navy, and Bangladesh Air Force, with two dedicated fire units from the Air Force bolstering ground operations. Additionally, two platoons from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to assist in containment and security. This multi-agency approach reflects Bangladesh's preparedness for such crises, particularly at Hazrat Shahjalal, the country's primary international gateway, which processed over 12 million passengers in 2024 amid growing regional trade and tourism.

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In the immediate aftermath, all flights to and from the airport were halted to prioritise safety and firefighting access, causing widespread disruptions for travellers. Several inbound international and domestic flights were rerouted to Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet, straining resources at these secondary facilities. Airport authorities have urged passengers to check with airlines for rescheduling information while promising a swift resumption of normal operations once the fire is fully extinguished and structural assessments are complete.

The event highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in airport infrastructure amid Bangladesh's rapid aviation expansion, with experts calling for enhanced fire suppression systems in cargo zones to prevent future occurrences. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on minimising economic fallout from delayed shipments and stranded passengers.

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