A large fire erupted in the cargo complex of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, forcing authorities to suspend all landings and takeoffs.
At the same time, thick smoke reduced visibility across parts of the airfield. Officials reported no immediate casualties as emergency teams worked to contain the blaze and protect nearby infrastructure.
Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh confirmed that all flight operations were halted as a precaution while responders concentrated on suppression and safety checks.
Fire Service officials said teams received the alarm in the afternoon and moved to reinforce the airport's firefighting crews, which were already on the scene. Authorities emphasized that parked aircraft were secure during the shutdown.
What triggered the full suspension?
The blaze swept through sections of the cargo complex, generating heavy smoke and intermittent flare-ups that threatened operational safety.
With visibility compromised and responders maneuvering large tenders and foam lines, the airport enacted a full pause to reduce runway risks.
Evacuations occurred in adjacent work areas, and secure perimeters were established to keep non-essential personnel clear.
Emergency coordinators assessed ignition sources, utilities, and potential exposure to fuel or high-value cargo.
As smoke levels varied across bays, responders relocated equipment to maintain access while avoiding congested service roads.
The decision to suspend operations reflected a conservative posture to safeguard passengers, crews, and responders.
Did you know?
Cargo zones often require protein foam and clean agent systems, since water alone may spread certain chemical fires and create runoff hazards for airport drainage and groundwater.
How did responders scale the operation?
Thirty-six firefighting units engaged, including specialized airport and Air Force assets that brought crash rescue capability and high-capacity foam systems.
Additional support from the army, navy, and Border Guard Bangladesh was provided to assist with cordons, logistics, and medical standby.
The multi-agency deployment created depth for sustained rotations as conditions shifted.
Incident command established a staging area near secure gates for tank refills, foam concentrate distribution, and crew rotations.
Priorities included compartmentalizing the fire, shielding critical structures, and preventing spread into fuel or sensitive cargo: reduced visibility required deliberate movement, coordinated sector leads, and continuous air monitoring.
What was the impact on flight schedules?
Inbound aircraft diverted to Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and to Osmani International Airport in Sylhet.
At least nine flights were rerouted, mostly to Chattogram, as airlines activated contingency plans and ground handlers prepared for adjustments to travel onward.
Departures in Dhaka remained paused pending clearance from inspectors. Passenger support shifted to rebooking, accommodation where needed, and updated notifications through airline channels.
Ground operations near the cargo zone were restricted to emergency movements, while terminal teams focused on information flow and coordinating with authorities as the incident unfolded.
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What hazards complicated suppression?
Local reports indicated the presence of chemicals within the cargo area, which can intensify heat release and resist conventional fire suppression methods.
Responders adjusted their tactics to include the use of appropriate foam agents and controlled ventilation, thereby reducing smoke migration.
Mixed packaging and unknown material inventories required careful hazard identification and continuous temperature checks to prevent re-ignition.
Safety officers monitored runoff risks from foam and water use, striking a balance between containment and the need to cool hotspots.
The complexity of cargo storage, varied ignition potentials, and the proximity of critical airport systems added layers of caution to every tactical step on the ramp.
What comes next in the investigation?
Authorities initiated an investigation into the fire’s origin, storage practices, and command performance, with a focus on hazardous materials handling and detection coverage within the cargo complex.
Regulators were expected to review compliance records, audit logs, and maintenance histories to identify systemic gaps.
Recommendations could include tighter storage segregation, enhanced detection and suppression in high-risk bays, and increased foam stockpiles for rapid deployment.
Findings may also inform revised drill schedules, interagency communications protocols, and standardized diversion playbooks for future contingencies.
Looking ahead, a phased restoration of flight operations will follow full containment, air quality checks, and verification that safety systems are operational.
The incident underscored the importance of rigorous cargo risk assessments, multi agency exercises, and clear passenger communication when an airport hub faces a fast moving emergency.
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