A massive fire emergency unfolded at Dhaka's primary international aviation hub on Tuesday, sending shockwaves through Bangladesh's transportation network and forcing authorities to implement a complete suspension of flight operations.
The blaze erupted at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the country's busiest airport, triggering immediate emergency protocols and drawing a massive response from firefighting units and emergency services.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
Fire service officials confirmed that multiple firefighting units were deployed to combat the flames that engulfed portions of the airport facility. The rapid escalation of the situation prompted airport authorities to make the critical decision to halt all incoming and outgoing flights indefinitely.
Eyewitness accounts described scenes of chaos and confusion as smoke billowed from the affected areas, though initial reports indicated successful evacuation efforts were underway to ensure passenger safety.
Impact on Air Travel
The complete suspension of flight operations has created significant disruptions for both domestic and international travel. Thousands of passengers have been affected by the sudden closure, with many left stranded at the airport or facing cancelled travel plans.
Aviation authorities have not provided an estimated timeline for when normal operations might resume, stating that the priority remains containing the fire and ensuring the structural safety of the airport facilities.
Investigation Underway
While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, preliminary investigations have been launched to determine the origin of the blaze. Airport officials have assured the public that a thorough examination will be conducted once the immediate emergency is contained.
The incident highlights growing concerns about infrastructure safety at one of South Asia's crucial aviation hubs, which serves as the main gateway to Bangladesh and handles millions of passengers annually.
