Fire at Hazrat Shahjalal airport cargo complex halts flights

A large fire broke out on Saturday afternoon in the cargo complex of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, prompting authorities to suspend all flight operations and deploy dozens of firefighting units to the scene. The blaze began near Gate 8 at about 2:15 to 2:30 p.m. local time, officials said, and sent thick smoke across the facility and surrounding areas.

Fire Service spokesman Talha Bin Zasim said nine firefighting units were initially dispatched, with an additional 15 to 27 units sent afterward; later briefings put the total engaged at as many as 36 units. The Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority, airport fire teams, two fire units from the Bangladesh Air Force and personnel from the Bangladesh Navy and Border Guard Bangladesh also joined the response, he said. HSIA Executive Director SM Ragib Samad said all relevant fire units were working to bring the blaze under control.

A Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson said in a statement that all aircraft at the airport were confirmed safe. Authorities reported no immediate casualties. Officials said the cargo zone, which stores imported goods, sustained damage and that a nearby post office was affected. Local...