DHAKA, BANGLADESH—Air travel in and out of Bangladesh’s capital was brought to a standstill on Saturday afternoon after a massive fire erupted in the cargo terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA). The intense blaze forced authorities to immediately suspend all flight operations as dozens of emergency units battled to bring the inferno under control.
The fire, which began around 2:30 p.m. local time, sent thick, black smoke billowing over the airport and surrounding areas, visible from miles away.
Military and Firefighters Mobilized
The fire originated in the airport’s cargo village, a highly secured area where imported goods are stored. Given the risk posed by materials like cardboard, plastic, and potentially flammable chemicals often found in stored cargo, the emergency response was immediately escalated.
- Massive Response: A total of 36 firefighting units from the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence were deployed to the scene.
- Coordinated Effort: The operation quickly turned into a large-scale, coordinated effort, with units from the Bangladesh Air Force, Navy, and Army, along with platoons from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), joining the battle to contain the flames.
- Safety First: Airport Executive Director Md Masudul Hasan confirmed that all takeoffs and landings were suspended until further notice. He assured the public that all commercial aircraft on the tarmac were confirmed safe.
Flight Chaos and Diversions
The suspension of operations caused major disruption for both domestic and international travelers:
- International Diversions: At least nine inbound international flights were diverted to alternative airports. An IndiGo flight from Delhi was diverted to Kolkata, while an Air Arabia flight from Sharjah was redirected to Chattogram. A Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong was reportedly seen circling, unable to land.
- Domestic Delays: Several domestic flights were canceled or severely delayed, causing chaos for passengers waiting in the terminals.
Authorities announced that flight operations were expected to resume late Saturday after the fire was brought under control and safety clearances were issued.
Investigation Launched
While the fire was contained without any immediate reports of casualties among airport staff or firefighters, the cause remains undetermined and is under investigation. The incident marks the third major fire reported in Bangladesh this week, prompting heightened concern across the country.
Conclusion
Saturday’s cargo terminal fire at Dhaka’s international airport is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. The quick mobilization of over three dozen civilian and military firefighting units successfully prevented a potentially catastrophic disaster and ensured the safety of all aircraft. As authorities work to determine the cause of the blaze, the focus will now shift to restoring normal flight operations and minimizing the economic impact on the country’s air freight-dependent export and import sectors.
Affiliate Disclosure
This article is a factual news report on an aviation incident and does not contain any affiliate links or paid endorsements.
Disclaimer
The information regarding the fire, flight suspensions, and official response is based on reports from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), the Fire Service, and local news agencies. Readers should consult the official websites of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport or their respective airlines for the most current flight status and operational updates.
Official Website Link: Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB): https://www.caab.gov.bd/
