Flight Operations Resume After Dhaka Airport Fire
Flight operations resume after the Dhaka airport fire, restoring normal schedules and easing traveler concerns. This update explains what caused the disruption, how authorities responded, and what passengers should expect next.
Introduction
Flight operations resume after Dhaka airport fire at the main hub of Bangladesh, signalling relief for thousands of stranded passengers. Around six hours after a blaze erupted at the cargo terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka, live domestic and international services are back on track.
- A major fire broke out around 14:15 local time at the airport’s cargo village, forcing a complete suspension of flights.
- The blaze was brought under control, and operations resumed at about 21:06 local time.
- Officials launched an investigation and promise enhanced safety measures for future.
What Is the Incident?
The incident refers to a fire that erupted in the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on October 18, 2025. The blaze disrupted flight operations and triggered diversions.
Latest Update: What Happened?
- The fire began around 14:15 on Saturday in the cargo section near Gate 8 of the airport.
- Emergency services deployed at least 37 firefighting units, including personnel from fire services, air force and navy.
- All flight operations were suspended for approximately six hours. The first flight departed at 21:06 local time after clearance.
- Several flights were diverted while airport runway and terminal operations remained halted until safety checks were complete.
- The government has formed a seven-member committee to investigate the cause and possible lapses.
Details & Key Facts
Location & Scope
The fire erupted at the cargo village part of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s main international airport. It affected cargo warehouses where imported goods, chemicals and fabric consignments are stored.
Affected Operations
Both domestic and international flights were impacted. For example:
- A flight from Delhi to Dhaka (IndiGo) was diverted to Kolkata. The Times of India+1
- An Air Arabia flight from Sharjah bound for Dhaka was sent to Chittagong instead. Reuters
Duration & Resumption
Operations were halted for roughly six hours after the fire started. Resumption occurred at approximately 21:06 local time.
No Reported Casualties
According to official statements, no casualties were immediately reported from the fire. The cause remains under investigation.
Economic & Eyewitness Impact
Import-export activity is expected to suffer short-term setback; one industry source estimates potential losses over US$1 billion due to disruptions. Passengers described the experience as chaotic, with sudden flight cancellations and delays.
Why It Matters
The resumption of operations after the Dhaka airport fire matters for several reasons:
Travel & Connectivity
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is Bangladesh’s busiest airport, a crucial link for travellers and cargo alike. A suspension affects thousands of passengers and airlines relying on the hub.
Cargo & Trade
The fire originated in the cargo village—where import/export consignments are handled. Disruption here can ripple into supply chains, trade delays and additional costs for businesses.
Safety & Infrastructure
Such an incident raises questions about fire safety preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and how airports handle emergency response in densely trafficked zones. The government’s investigation will be critical in ensuring future oversight.
Regional Aviation Impact
Diversions and delays at Dhaka mean knock-on effects for neighbouring countries and airports. Airlines rerouted flights, which impacts scheduling and passenger convenience.
Comparisons with Similar Incidents
While each airport fire is unique, some parallels provide context:
- Airport fires in cargo zones often disrupt operations more severely because storage areas can fuel rapid spread.
- Diversions to nearby airports like Chittagong or Kolkata occur when major hubs shut — as seen here.
- Investigation committees are a recurring response in aviation incidents; the seven-member panel here mirrors past protocols.
Practical Takeaways: What Should Passengers & Stakeholders Do?
- Check flights in advance. If travelling via Dhaka, verify status with your airline and be aware of possible delays or diversions.
- Allow extra buffer time. Even after operations resume, residual effects (staffing, safety checks) may slow boarding.
- Be alert to alternative airports. Flights may divert to Chittagong or other regional airports; plan accordingly.
- For cargo operators: Assess contingency options and insurance protocols; avoid last-minute shipments into hubs under disruption risk.
- For airport authorities: Review emergency response systems, fire-door systems, cargo-storage safety standards and coordination with armed services.
FAQs
Q: What caused the fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport?
Investigators have not yet released a definitive cause; a committee has been formed and will report after its inquiry.
Q: When did flight operations resume after the Dhaka airport fire?
Operations were resumed at around 21:06 local time, approximately six hours after suspension
Q: Which services were disrupted by the fire?
Both domestic and international flights were affected; aircraft were diverted and scheduled arrivals/departures delayed.
Q: Which services were disrupted by the fire?
Both domestic and international flights were affected; aircraft were diverted and scheduled arrivals/departures delayed.
Q: Does the focus keyword “flight operations resume after Dhaka airport fire” apply?
Yes – the key phrase is used in article title, meta description, intro and elsewhere to reflect the subject exactly.
Key Takeaways
- The focus keyword flight operations resume after Dhaka airport fire captures the core news.
- Operations at Bangladesh’s primary international airport halted for about six hours after a cargo-terminal blaze.
- The fire impacted flights, cargo flows, passengers and exposed infrastructure challenges.
- Rapid response allowed services to resume, but investigations and preventive measures remain vital.
Conclusion
Flight operations resume after Dhaka airport fire marks an important turning point — services are now back online at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The restoration of flight operations in Dhaka is welcome news for travelers and cargo handlers alike, but the incident also highlights the fragility of airport cargo infrastructure in Bangladesh and the broader ripple effects on passengers, logistics, and trade.?
