Fire breaks out at Dhaka airport, all flights suspended

A fire broke out in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon, according to a local news channel.

The fire has reportedly prompted the suspension of all flight operations and triggered a large-scale emergency response.

According to reports, a total of 32 firefighting units were on site, and all aircraft were confirmed safe. Cause and damage are yet to be determined. 

The blaze was first reported around 2.15 pm on Saturday, according to Kawser Mahmud, spokesperson for both Biman Bangladesh Airlines and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), as reported by the Dhaka Tribune.

The firefighting units from the airport, the Bangladesh Army, the Bangladesh Air Force, and other relevant agencies responded swiftly and launched a coordinated effort to contain the fire.

Mahmud urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, assuring that a detailed report would be shared once the situation is fully under control.

According to the news channel, Batik Air flight OD-163 from Dhaka to Kuala Lumpur and Indigo flight 6E-1116 from Dhaka to Mumbai are currently waiting on the taxiway.