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### Major Fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Grounds Flights; No Casualties Reported
#### Fire Breaks Out at Bangladesh’s Largest Airport
On the afternoon of Saturday, October 18, 2025, a significant fire broke out at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh—the country’s largest and busiest airport. The incident caused widespread disruption, forcing the immediate suspension of all flights into and out of the airport. Authorities scrambled to contain the blaze and ensure the safety of passengers, staff, and critical airport infrastructure.
#### Incident Details: Fire Erupts Near Gate 8
According to official reports, the fire started around 2:30 pm local time near Gate 8 of the airport’s cargo terminal. The exact cause of the fire remains unclear and is currently under investigation by relevant authorities. Witnesses at the scene described seeing thick plumes of smoke rising from the cargo terminal, quickly spreading panic among airport staff and those in the vicinity.
Videos and photographs circulated on social media and news outlets depicted flames engulfing part of the cargo area, with emergency crews rushing to the scene. The incident drew immediate attention due to the airport’s status as a critical hub for both domestic and international air traffic in Bangladesh.
#### Rapid Emergency Response: Massive Firefighting Mobilization
The response from emergency services was swift and robust. Talha Bin Jashim, spokesperson for the Bangladesh Fire Service, told bdnews that nine firefighting units were initially dispatched to tackle the blaze. As the scale of the fire became apparent, an additional fifteen units joined the effort, bringing the total to 24. Later updates from Talha Bin Zasim, representing the Fire Service and Civil Defence Media Cell, confirmed that as many as 28 firefighting units were actively engaged in combating the fire, with further reinforcements arriving throughout the afternoon.
The mobilization represented one of the largest emergency responses at the airport in recent memory. Firefighters worked in challenging conditions, navigating dense smoke and the risk of hazardous materials stored within the cargo facility. Their priority was to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent terminals, aircraft, and vital airport infrastructure.
#### Multi-Agency Coordination: Military and Civil Services Join Efforts
The scale and potential risk of the fire prompted the involvement of multiple government agencies. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) office, the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority, the Bangladesh Fire Service, the Bangladesh Navy, and the Bangladesh Air Force all contributed personnel and equipment to help bring the situation under control. The Air Force provided two specialized fire response units, while the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) deployed two platoons to assist with security and evacuation procedures.
This multi-agency response underscores the seriousness with which Bangladeshi authorities treated the incident. With the airport serving as a vital link in the country’s transportation network and as a gateway for international travel and commerce, any disruption has significant national implications.
#### Airport Operations Suspended: Impact on Flights and Passengers
As a direct result of the fire, all flight operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport were suspended shortly after the blaze was reported. Both incoming and outgoing flights were halted as a precaution, and airport authorities began redirecting flights to alternative airports.
Numerous incoming international and domestic flights that were scheduled to land at Dhaka were rerouted to Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet. These airports, which are equipped to handle diversions, experienced a sudden surge in air traffic as a result. Passengers aboard diverted flights faced delays and uncertainty, with many expressing concern for their safety and the fate of their travel plans.
For those already at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the situation was tense but orderly. Airport staff escorted passengers from affected terminals, and announcements were made over the public address system to keep everyone informed. Authorities worked to ensure that all passengers and airport workers were safely evacuated from areas at risk.
#### Official Statements: Aircraft Safe, No Immediate Casualties
Amid the chaos, airport officials moved quickly to reassure the public. A spokesperson for Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport told The Daily Star, “All aircraft are safe. Further updates will be shared as the situation develops.” This announcement helped ease concerns that the fire might have threatened airplanes parked near the cargo terminal or disrupted