A massive fire broke out at the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka around 2:15 pm on Saturday, October 18, 2025, forcing authorities to suspend all flight operations temporarily. The blaze reportedly began in the import section of the Cargo Village and quickly spread, prompting an extensive emergency response. Nearly 30 firefighting units, along with personnel from the Bangladesh Air Force, Navy, and airport fire services, rushed to the scene to contain the flames. Airport authorities also moved aircraft parked nearby as a precautionary measure to prevent further damage. All incoming and outgoing flights were halted, with several international flights diverted to alternative airports such as Chattogram and Kolkata. Passengers waiting at terminals were advised to stay inside for safety as thick smoke billowed from the cargo facility. Despite the intensity of the fire, there were no reports of casualties, and emergency teams managed to bring the situation under control after several hours of operation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though initial reports suggest it may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit or improper storage of goods. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh has assured that a detailed inquiry will be conducted, and normal flight operations will resume once safety inspections are complete. The incident caused major disruptions to both domestic and international schedules, with airlines coordinating with authorities to manage stranded passengers. The extent of damage to cargo and airport infrastructure is still being assessed, but the swift action of emergency responders helped prevent a potentially larger disaster
