Massive Fire at Dhaka Airport Cargo Terminal Halts Flights

A major fire erupted at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The blaze began in the airport’s cargo village on Saturday afternoon. Flight operations were immediately suspended due to the incident.

Authorities confirmed the fire started around 2:15 PM local time. Emergency crews rushed to contain the intense flames. Thick, black smoke billowed from the terminal, visible across the airport.

Emergency Response and Flight Cancellations

The airport’s emergency units responded instantly. They were joined by teams from the Bangladesh Army and Air Force. Their coordinated effort focused on controlling the massive fire.

Multiple flights were canceled or diverted. An Indigo flight from Delhi was rerouted to Kolkata. Other aircraft were left waiting on taxiways, unable to move.

Travel chaos spread quickly. Passengers faced major disruptions. The airport authority worked to inform the public about the situation.

Broader Impact on Aviation and Commerce

This incident highlights vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Airport cargo terminals handle vital shipments. Such a significant fire risks substantial economic disruption.

The full impact on Bangladesh’s import and export flow is still being assessed. According to Reuters, incidents like this can have a lasting effect on regional trade. The priority remains investigating the fire’s origin.

The suspension of flights at the country’s primary international airport underscores the fragility of global travel networks. Recovery operations will likely continue for some time.

The swift response by emergency services prevented a greater catastrophe, but the Dhaka airport fire serves as a stark reminder of the constant need for vigilance in aviation safety protocols.

Info at your fingertips

What caused the fire at Dhaka airport?

The exact cause is still under investigation. The blaze originated in the cargo village area of the airport. Authorities have not yet released a definitive reason.

How long did the fire last?

Firefighting operations began immediately after the blaze was reported. The intense fire produced smoke for a significant duration. Crews worked for hours to fully extinguish the flames.

Were there any casualties reported?

Initial reports from major news wires did not mention any fatalities. The focus was on the damage to infrastructure and flight disruptions. A full assessment is ongoing.

Which flights were affected by the fire?

Several inbound and outbound flights were canceled or diverted. This included an Indigo flight from Delhi that was sent to Kolkata. Flight operations were fully suspended for a period.

When will flight operations return to normal?

Authorities have not provided a specific timeline for a full return to normalcy. The priority is ensuring the terminal is safe and secure. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for updates.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, Associated Press, The Dhaka Tribune, PTI.

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