Fire Erupts at Cargo Village, Flights Suspended at Dhaka Airport

Bangladesh: A massive fire has broken out at the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, forcing authorities to suspend all flight operations temporarily.

The incident occurred around 2:30 pm on Saturday when flames were first spotted inside the import cargo complex — a section used for storing imported goods. Smoke was seen billowing from the building, and crowds of onlookers gathered outside the airport area.

Md Masudul Hasan Masud, Airport Executive Director’s spokesperson, confirmed around 3:45 pm that aircraft takeoffs and landings had been halted as a safety measure following the fire.

The blaze reportedly began near Gate No. 8, commonly known as the Hangar Gate, spreading quickly through the northern part of the import cargo complex near Gate No. 3. The affected area stores imported consignments awaiting customs clearance and delivery.

Teams from the Fire Service and Civil Aviation Authority, along with two fire units from the Bangladesh Air Force, have been working to control the flames. 

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), the Bangladesh Army and Navy have also joined the firefighting operation. Besides, two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to assist.

Using loudspeakers, the authorities urged the public to move away from the site as the fire continued to burn, releasing heavy smoke across the area.

Witnesses said workers and drivers were quickly evacuated from the complex after the fire started. 

As of the latest reports, efforts to douse the fire are ongoing, and no casualties have been reported so far. Flight operations are expected to resume once the situation is fully brought under control.