Massive Fire Erupts at Dhaka Airport Cargo Village, Flights Suspended Amid Major Emergency

A massive fire broke out at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Saturday afternoon, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky and causing panic among airport staff and travelers. The blaze, which started around midday, forced authorities to suspend all flight operations temporarily as firefighters, airport staff, and Air Force personnel rushed to bring the situation under control.

The incident has drawn national attention, with authorities describing it as one of the most serious fire emergencies the airport has faced in recent years. Early reports suggest that the fire started in a warehouse storing commercial goods and quickly spread due to the presence of flammable materials. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported so far, though several people were treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.

How the Fire Started

According to airport officials, the fire began in Cargo Village Shed No. 7, which stores a wide range of imported and exported goods, including garments, plastics, paper, and electrical equipment. Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit in an electrical system or an overheated piece of machinery. Within minutes, the flames spread rapidly across several adjoining storage sections.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic. Workers and cargo handlers were seen running out of the warehouse as thick smoke filled the area. Several trucks and forklifts that were operating nearby were also engulfed in flames before firefighters could isolate the zone.

One worker said that the fire alarm rang but the smoke was already too heavy to see through. “We could feel the heat even from outside. The fire spread so fast that people had to leave everything behind,” he said.

Emergency Response and Firefighting Efforts

More than 15 fire service units, supported by Bangladesh Air Force personnel, rushed to the scene after receiving the emergency call. Firefighters faced difficulty entering the cargo sheds because of dense smoke, stored chemicals, and heat from the blaze. The Air Force deployed specialized foam and water cannons to suppress the flames, while airport security helped evacuate nearby offices and customs areas.

The Fire Service and Civil Defence Department said the fire was of the “Level 4” category — meaning it required a large-scale coordinated response. Rescue teams used breathing apparatus and thermal cameras to locate hotspots inside the smoke-filled warehouses. After several hours of continuous effort, firefighters managed to bring the flames under control, although cooling operations continued well into the night to prevent reignition.

Officials said it took nearly six hours to fully contain the blaze. During this period, all domestic and international flights were temporarily halted for safety reasons. Passengers were instructed to stay inside terminal buildings, and air traffic controllers diverted several incoming flights to nearby airports, including Chattogram and Kolkata.

Impact on Flight Operations

The temporary suspension of flights created significant disruptions. Thousands of passengers faced delays, with several international flights rescheduled or redirected. Airlines including Biman Bangladesh, Emirates, and Qatar Airways announced temporary flight adjustments.

Airport authorities clarified that the passenger terminal itself was not directly affected by the fire but precautionary measures were taken to ensure safety. The main runway remained operational after the fire was brought under control, and flight operations gradually resumed later in the evening.

Officials said that full cargo operations would remain suspended until a detailed inspection and safety clearance were completed. The losses are expected to be substantial, as the affected cargo storage contained valuable goods meant for export.

Extent of Damage

Initial assessments indicate that goods worth tens of crores of Bangladeshi taka have been destroyed. Warehouses that handled garment exports, electronics, and other commercial products were severely damaged. The heat from the blaze melted metal panels and caused partial collapse of several storage sections.

Several vehicles, forklifts, and containers were also destroyed. Customs officials said many of the affected goods were awaiting clearance for international shipment. Insurance teams and forensic experts have been called in to assess the total financial loss and determine the exact cause of the fire.

Eyewitness Accounts

Many witnesses described scenes of confusion and urgency as the fire spread. Cargo staff, customs officials, and nearby shop owners tried to assist in the evacuation. One airport worker said that as soon as the fire alarm went off, “there was shouting everywhere.” Some workers attempted to save cargo documentation and computers before the flames reached their offices.

Passengers at the terminal could see thick black smoke rising from the cargo area through the airport windows. Videos shared on social media showed huge clouds of smoke towering above the airport, with emergency vehicles rushing in from multiple directions. The footage quickly went viral, prompting authorities to issue an official statement to prevent panic.

Government and Official Reactions

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Mahbub Ali, arrived at the site within hours. He told reporters that the government would conduct a full investigation and take necessary measures to strengthen airport fire safety systems.

“The fire has been brought under control thanks to the combined efforts of firefighters, the Air Force, and airport personnel,” he said. “We will not rest until we find the cause and ensure such an incident cannot happen again.”

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) announced that a special committee had been formed to investigate the incident. The committee will include representatives from the Fire Service, police, customs, and the airport’s engineering department. They are expected to submit an initial report within a week.

Possible Causes Under Investigation

While officials have not confirmed the exact cause, early suspicion points to an electrical short circuit in one of the air-conditioning or power systems inside the warehouse. Investigators are also considering the possibility of improper storage of flammable materials.

Some cargo staff alleged that several warehouses were overcrowded with goods and lacked proper ventilation or modern fire suppression systems. In past safety audits, concerns were raised about insufficient firefighting infrastructure within the cargo area. Authorities have said that these issues will be thoroughly examined.

Safety Measures and Future Steps

Following the incident, CAAB has ordered an immediate safety audit of all cargo storage facilities at the airport. Fire safety drills, inspections of electrical lines, and removal of excess materials are expected to be conducted over the next few days. The airport management has also announced plans to upgrade firefighting systems, install more smoke detectors, and improve staff training on handling emergencies.

Experts believe this fire will serve as a wake-up call for Bangladesh’s aviation and logistics sectors, which handle massive volumes of exports every year. The country’s garment industry depends heavily on timely air cargo shipments, and any disruption has a cascading effect on trade and revenue.

Public Reaction and Social Media

News of the fire spread rapidly online, with hashtags such as #DhakaAirportFire and #CargoVillageBlaze trending on Bangladeshi social media. Many users praised the quick response of firefighters and Air Force teams. Others demanded stricter safety regulations at public infrastructure sites.

Several eyewitness videos uploaded to social platforms showed the intensity of the flames and thick smoke that blanketed the surrounding area. Although misinformation circulated briefly, official updates from the Fire Service and Civil Aviation Authority helped clarify the situation.

Conclusion

The massive fire at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport cargo village has once again exposed the vulnerabilities in industrial and logistical safety systems in Bangladesh. While quick action by firefighters and airport authorities prevented a larger catastrophe, the incident underscores the urgent need for stronger preventive measures, better infrastructure, and regular safety inspections.

As investigations continue, focus will turn to accountability and reform. The tragedy could have been far worse, but the rapid response averted potential disaster. For now, the airport is returning to normalcy, but the lessons from this event will likely shape future policy on airport safety and emergency preparedness across the country.