DHAKA-18/10/2025- A massive fire broke out at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon, sending thick black smoke billowing across the skyline and forcing authorities to suspend all domestic and international flight operations for several hours. The blaze, which erupted in the airport’s cargo village near Gate 8, created widespread panic among airport workers and passengers, and left at least 25 members of the Bangladesh Ansar force injured while assisting in rescue and firefighting efforts.
The fire reportedly started around 2:15 p.m. local time inside a warehouse complex used for storing imported goods and courier packages. Airport officials said the flames spread rapidly through the cargo area, fuelled by flammable materials and packaging stored in the facility. Within minutes, the fire engulfed several adjoining sections, prompting emergency alerts across the airport.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as thick smoke blanketed parts of the airport, forcing the evacuation of workers, customs officials, and airline staff. Passengers waiting in the terminals were rushed to safety, while incoming flights were either diverted to Chattogram and Kolkata or instructed to hold midair until clearance was issued.
Swift Response from Fire and Defence Forces
More than 36 firefighting units were deployed from across Dhaka to battle the inferno, supported by the Bangladesh Air Force and Navy. Firefighters worked for nearly seven hours to bring the blaze under control. Heavy smoke, heat, and the presence of chemical goods made containment extremely challenging.
Members of the Ansar paramilitary force, deployed for airport security, joined the firefighting operation. At least 25 of them sustained burns and smoke inhalation injuries during the early stages of the rescue. They were immediately taken to the Kurmitola General Hospital and the Combined Military Hospital for treatment.
By 9:00 p.m., fire authorities confirmed that the situation had been brought under control, though cooling operations and safety inspections continued through the night.
Flight Operations Suspended
The fire caused a complete shutdown of the airport’s operations for more than six hours — an unprecedented disruption in recent years. Hundreds of passengers were stranded as flights to and from major cities, including Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Chennai, and London, were either delayed or diverted.
A Biman Bangladesh Airlines official said, “We had to suspend both passenger and cargo flights immediately after the fire alarm. Safety of lives and aircraft was our top priority.”
Flight operations resumed cautiously around 9:30 p.m. after airport authorities confirmed that the smoke had cleared and runways were safe for movement.
Cargo Losses and Trade Impact
The cargo village, which handles thousands of tonnes of export-import goods every week, has been severely affected. Initial reports suggest that the fire destroyed large volumes of imported electronics, garments, and courier consignments. Exporters and importers have begun assessing losses, with early estimates indicating damages worth millions of dollars.
Trade experts warned that the incident could disrupt Bangladesh’s export chain temporarily, especially for garments and perishable goods scheduled for urgent shipment. Customs clearance procedures and insurance claims are expected to be delayed until the full extent of the damage is assessed.
Investigation Underway
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the fire. While early indications point to an electrical short circuit or negligence in cargo handling, authorities have not ruled out other possibilities, including sabotage.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has formed an inter-agency committee comprising members from the Fire Service, CAAB, police, and airport management to conduct a comprehensive inquiry. Officials have pledged strict accountability if any lapses in safety procedures are uncovered.
The incident has reignited concerns over fire safety standards in Bangladesh’s key infrastructure hubs. Just months after several factory fires shook the country, this latest disaster at its busiest international airport underscores persistent issues of lax enforcement, outdated wiring, and inadequate emergency preparedness.
Experts argue that the cargo zone’s proximity to warehouses storing volatile materials without proper fire suppression systems made it particularly vulnerable.
A senior aviation safety expert noted, “Bangladesh’s rapid trade growth has outpaced its infrastructure upgrades. Unless safety protocols are made mandatory and regularly audited, such incidents will continue to threaten both life and economy.”
As smoke cleared over Dhaka’s skies late Saturday night, hundreds of exhausted firefighters remained on-site to monitor residual flames. Airport authorities have assured the public that flight operations have returned to normal, though full recovery in the cargo sector may take several days.
For many in Bangladesh, the fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is yet another painful reminder of how fragile safety systems remain — even in the country’s most vital institutions.
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