DHAKA: A massive fire erupted at the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka on Saturday, prompting a temporary suspension in flight operations.
Fire service teams, along with armed forces personnel, responded swiftly and worked jointly to bring the blaze under control, state-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported.
Thirty units are currently working at the site while six more are on the way,” Tahla Bin Jashim, an officer at the Fire Service media cell, said media around 4:00 pm.
“The cause of the fire and the extent of damage are yet to be determined. So far, no casualties have been reported,” he said.
ঢাকা এয়াপোর্টের রানওয়ে বন্ধ। ২৬টি ইউনিট একসাথে কাজ করছে, তবুও আগুনের লেলিহান শিখা এখনো অনিয়ন্ত্রিত।#Dhaka #Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/hZZnYvwnVO
— Public Press BD (@bd_public) October 18, 2025
According to a statement issued by Bangladeshi military units from the Bangladesh Air Force, Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence, and the Civil Aviation Authority joined efforts to extinguish the fire.
Airport Executive Director Group Captain SM Ragib Samad said emergency teams were working in coordination to control the situation.
“We are handling an emergency situation; please cooperate with us. Our airport fire service teams are working to control the fire at Shahjalal International Airport. Fire units from the Air Force and Civil Defence are also engaged. You will receive accurate information in due time,” he said in an audio message circulated to the media.
Airport authorities confirmed that flight operations were temporarily suspended for safety reasons, although the fire was contained within the Cargo Village and did not affect the passenger terminal.
Several international flights bound for Dhaka were diverted, with aircraft redirected to Chattogram and Kolkata. Meanwhile, some departing flights were held on the taxiway, awaiting clearance to take off.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, and other carriers either delayed or diverted flights as a precautionary measure.
A Fire Service officer said the source of the blaze is under investigation, and the area has been cordoned off.
