A substantial fire erupted at Bangladesh's primary international gateway, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, on Friday evening, creating widespread disruption to air travel operations and forcing the cancellation of numerous flights.
The blaze originated in an office area within the airport's international terminal, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing through the facility and triggering immediate emergency response protocols.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
Airport authorities swiftly activated emergency procedures, with firefighters from both the airport's dedicated fire service and the Bangladesh Air Force mobilising to combat the flames. The rapid response prevented the fire from spreading to critical passenger areas, though significant smoke infiltration occurred throughout the terminal building.
Witnesses reported chaotic scenes as passengers and staff were evacuated from affected areas, with many travellers forced to wait outside the terminal while emergency operations continued.
Flight Operations Severely Impacted
The incident caused substantial disruption to flight schedules, with multiple airlines forced to cancel or delay services. Both domestic and international routes were affected, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or facing significant travel alterations.
Airport officials confirmed that flight operations were temporarily suspended during the height of the emergency, with a gradual restoration of services occurring once the fire was brought under control and safety assessments were completed.
Investigation Underway
While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, preliminary reports suggest it may have originated from an electrical fault within an office space. No casualties have been reported, though the incident has raised serious questions about fire safety protocols at the nation's busiest airport.
Authorities have assured the public that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted to determine the precise cause and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
