Flight operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport have been temporarily suspended following a fire that broke out in the cargo village area on Saturday (October 18), the Civil Aviation Authority confirmed.

The fire reportedly started around 2:15 pm in the airport’s cargo section. Shortly afterward, authorities announced a temporary suspension of flight movements. The matter was confirmed by Md Masudul Hasan Masud, spokesperson for the airport’s executive director, around 3:30 pm.

Immediately after the fire erupted, units from the airport’s own fire section, the Bangladesh Air Force fire unit, and other relevant agencies rushed to the scene and launched a joint firefighting operation.

According to Talha Bin Jashim, an official from the Fire Service and Civil Defence media cell, the initial report came in around 2:30 pm that a fire had broken out near Gate 8 of the cargo area. Five firefighting units were dispatched initially, with more joining as the situation intensified.

A total of 32 units from various fire stations were eventually deployed, with 16 units actively engaged in extinguishing the blaze at the scene.

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

MN/