Major Fire Disrupts Operations at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

On October 18, 2025, a significant fire erupted at the cargo terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, prompting the suspension of all flight operations. The blaze began around 2:15 PM near Gate 8, quickly escalating and producing thick black smoke visible across the city. Fire Service spokesman Talha Bin Jashim reported that 36 firefighting units were deployed to combat the flames, with additional support from the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force.

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The fire led to the immediate suspension of all inbound and outbound flights, with numerous aircraft diverted to Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet. Notably, an IndiGo flight from Delhi was rerouted to Kolkata, while several other flights were forced to circle the airport awaiting landing clearance. Airport officials confirmed that all aircraft were safe, and no immediate casualties were reported.

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During the firefighting efforts, at least 25 members of the Ansar force and 10 police personnel sustained injuries. Many were treated at local hospitals, including the Combined Military Hospital and Kurmitola General Hospital. Eyewitness accounts described a chaotic scene as emergency responders worked to control the fire, which was complicated by the presence of chemicals stored in the cargo area.

35 security personnel injured battling cargo section fire at Dhaka airport

Sheikh Bashir Uddin, the Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser, stated, “The fire is now completely under control,” and assured that flight operations would resume once safety assessments were completed. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities focusing on potential electrical faults and the storage of flammable materials.

HSIA fire situation under total control: Aviation Ministry

This incident marks the third major fire in Bangladesh within a week, raising concerns about safety measures and infrastructure at the airport. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has ordered a comprehensive review of fire safety protocols at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, which handles over 90% of the country’s international cargo.

Fire At Dhaka Airport’s Cargo Terminal Forces Flight Suspensions; Authorities Confirm No Casualties So Far

• “All our aircraft are confirmed safe. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops” — Kawser Mahmud, Spokesperson for Biman Bangladesh Airlines

All flights suspended at Dhaka Shahjalal International Airport’s cargo area in Dhaka

• “We are managing an emergency. Please give us space to handle it safely.” — SM Ragib Samad, Executive Director of HSIA

Fire rages at Dhaka airport cargo village, grounding flights

Authorities are expected to provide updates on the investigation into the fire's cause and the status of flight operations. The airport is anticipated to resume normal operations once safety assessments are completed and the area is deemed secure.

HSIA cargo village fire under control partially

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Bangladesh in ensuring safety and preparedness in its rapidly growing aviation sector.

37 firefighting units battle fire at Dhaka airport cargo zone