DHAKA, Oct 18: A massive fire broke out on Saturday at the cargo complex of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, prompting authorities to suspend all flight operations. Thick black smoke engulfed the area, although no casualties were reported.
The fire started around 2:30 PM, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) quickly deployed over 36 firefighting units. Additional support came from the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
All flight landings and takeoffs were suspended until further notice.
At least nine incoming flights were diverted—eight to Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and one to Osmani International Airport in Sylhet. Officials confirmed that all aircraft remained safe.
Local media reports indicated that chemicals stored in the cargo area made the fire particularly difficult to control. Eyewitnesses described the incident as a major blaze with smoke covering large parts of the airport and surrounding zones.
This marks the third major fire in Bangladesh in five days. On Thursday, a fire destroyed an eight-storey building at the Chittagong Export Processing Zone, with no casualties.
Earlier, on Tuesday, a deadly fire at a garment factory and chemical warehouse in Dhaka killed 16 workers and injured several others. Authorities are on high alert following the recent string of fire-related incidents. (PTI)
