Operations at Bangladesh’s primary international airport came to an abrupt halt on Saturday as emergency crews battled a significant fire that engulfed its cargo terminal. All flights, both inbound and outbound, were immediately suspended until further notice.
The incident began around 2:30 p.m. local time at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, the nation’s capital. Witnesses reported seeing dense, black smoke billowing into the sky, visible from several miles away, signaling the severity of the situation.
A formidable force of approximately 36 firefighting units was rapidly deployed to the scene, as confirmed by Talha Bin Jashim, a spokesperson for the fire service. Their efforts were bolstered by crucial assistance from various military branches, including personnel from the air force, navy, border guards, and army, a military public relations office stated.
Wing Commander Jakaria Mahbub, an airport director, addressed the unfolding crisis, remarking, “We are currently focused on managing this emergency. At this moment, we are unable to provide details regarding the cause of the fire.”
Muhammad Kawsar Mahmud, an assistant director at the airport, reiterated the indefinite suspension of all flight activities, emphasizing the need for a thorough assessment before normal operations could resume.