A significant fire broke out in the cargo area of Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Wednesday, creating dramatic scenes and leading to the immediate suspension of all cargo operations at Bangladesh's primary aviation hub.
Emergency services rushed to the scene as thick plumes of black smoke billowed from the cargo terminal, visible from considerable distances around the airport. Firefighting teams from multiple stations were deployed to combat the intense blaze that threatened critical airport infrastructure.
Immediate Impact on Operations
Airport authorities confirmed that all cargo handling activities have been temporarily halted until the situation is brought under control and safety assessments are completed. The suspension affects both domestic and international cargo shipments passing through Bangladesh's busiest airport.
While passenger flights continue to operate from separate terminals, authorities have established safety perimeters and are monitoring the situation closely to prevent any potential spread of the fire to other critical airport facilities.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Multiple firefighting units worked tirelessly to contain the flames amid challenging conditions. The cause of the fire remains unknown, with aviation authorities launching a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Initial reports suggest the fire originated in one section of the cargo complex, though the exact point of origin and the extent of damage to goods and infrastructure are yet to be determined.
This incident marks one of the most significant emergencies at Shahjalal International Airport in recent years, raising questions about fire safety protocols in critical aviation infrastructure.
