Massive fire at Dhaka airport, flights resumed after five hours suspension

Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Fire: The blaze, which began around 2:30 pm, engulfed an area used to store imported goods, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing across the airport premises

October 18, 2025 11:32 PM IST First published on: Oct 18, 2025 at 04:49 PM IST

Fire and smoke are visible in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar)

A massive fire broke out at the cargo village of Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday afternoon, forcing authorities to suspend all flight operations.

The blaze, which began around 2:30 pm, engulfed an area used to store imported goods, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing across the airport premises, Prothom Alo reported.

After hours, the fire was brought under control, and flight operations resumed at 9:06 pm local time, officials confirmed. The interim government has also formed a seven-member investigation committee to determine the cause of the blaze.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority, the Fire Service, and two Air Force firefighting units worked jointly to douse the blaze. The Navy has also joined the operation to bring the situation under control.

The extent of damage and the cause of the fire are yet to be determined.

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