Table of Contents
- Fire Breaks Out at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
- Massive Emergency Response Mobilized
- Flight Disruptions and Travel Chaos
- Cause Still Unknown Amid Ongoing Investigation
- What This Means for Regional Air Travel
- Sources
Fire Breaks Out at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
A massive fire erupted Saturday afternoon at Bangladesh’s busiest airport, halting all incoming and outgoing flights and sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky over Dhaka. The blaze, which started around 2:30 p.m. local time at the cargo terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, has triggered a major emergency response and left travelers stranded.
Witnesses reported seeing dense smoke visible for miles, with panic spreading among passengers and airport staff as evacuation procedures were swiftly initiated. No injuries have been confirmed as of press time, but the full extent of damage remains unclear.
Massive Emergency Response Mobilized
Firefighters from 36 units rushed to the scene, according to Talha Bin Jashim, a spokesperson for Bangladesh’s fire service. The scale of the response quickly escalated as military branches—including the air force, navy, border guards, and army—joined the effort to contain the flames.
“We are now handling the emergency situation,” said Wing Commander Jakaria Mahbub, a director at the airport. Despite the coordinated response, officials emphasized that the fire was still being actively fought and that safety remained the top priority.
Key Agencies Responding to the Airport Fire:
- Bangladesh Fire Service & Civil Defense (36 units deployed)
- Bangladesh Air Force
- Bangladesh Navy
- Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB)
- Bangladesh Army
Flight Disruptions and Travel Chaos
All commercial flights—both domestic and international—were suspended immediately following the outbreak. Muhammad Kawsar Mahmud, an assistant director at the airport, confirmed that operations would remain on hold “until further notice.”
With Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport serving as the primary gateway to Bangladesh, the suspension has caused ripple effects across South Asia and the Middle East. Airlines including Biman Bangladesh, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Thai Airways have issued travel advisories, urging passengers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport.
Passengers stranded inside terminals described confusion and limited communication from airport authorities. Social media quickly filled with photos and videos of smoke billowing from the cargo area and long lines forming at airline counters.
Cause Still Unknown Amid Ongoing Investigation
Despite the intensity of the fire, officials have not yet determined its origin. “I cannot say anything now about what has caused the fire,” Wing Commander Mahbub told reporters, adding that a full investigation would follow once the situation stabilized.
Preliminary speculation points to possible electrical faults or hazardous materials in the cargo zone, but no evidence has been presented. Authorities have not ruled out accidental or deliberate causes.
What This Means for Regional Air Travel
The disruption at Dhaka’s main airport could have lasting implications for Bangladesh’s aviation sector and regional connectivity. As one of the busiest cargo hubs in South Asia, any prolonged shutdown may affect supply chains and international shipments.
Analysts warn that if operations remain suspended into Sunday, airlines may begin rerouting or canceling flights altogether, adding further strain to an already congested regional air network.
Sources
Large Fire Halts Flights at Bangladesh’s Main Airport – The New York Times
