A major fire erupted at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Tuesday, creating panic and leading to the temporary suspension of all flight operations. The blaze, which broke out in the evening, sent plumes of thick black smoke billowing across the airport premises, visible from miles away.
Emergency services responded with remarkable speed, deploying multiple firefighting units to combat the flames. According to airport authorities, the fire originated in an office area within the airport complex, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
Swift Response Prevents Major Disaster
Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before successfully bringing it under control. Their prompt action prevented the fire from spreading to critical operational areas, including the passenger terminals and aircraft parking bays.
"Our emergency protocols were activated immediately," stated Group Captain Taslim Azim, director of the airport. "The safety of passengers and staff remained our top priority throughout the operation."
Flight Operations Return to Normal
Following the containment of the fire, airport authorities conducted thorough safety assessments before gradually resuming flight operations. While some delays were inevitable during the emergency response, officials confirmed that normal operations had been restored by late evening.
The incident caused temporary disruption to both domestic and international flights, with several aircraft being diverted during the peak of the emergency. However, no injuries to passengers or staff have been reported, and all essential airport services are now functioning normally.
Investigation Underway
Civil aviation authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. Preliminary reports suggest an electrical short circuit might have triggered the blaze, though officials emphasize that all possibilities are being examined.
This incident highlights the importance of robust emergency response systems at critical infrastructure facilities like international airports. The successful handling of the situation demonstrates the effectiveness of Bangladesh's airport safety protocols.
