Dhaka:
A significant fire broke out on Saturday afternoon at the cargo terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The blaze, which began around 2:30 PM, has led to the suspension of all flight operations at the airport. Emergency teams from the Bangladesh Fire Service, Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh Air Force, and the Navy are actively working to control the fire. As of now, there have been no reports of casualties.
Flight Operations Affected
The fire has resulted in the diversion of several flights. At least nine flights scheduled to land in Dhaka have been redirected to Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet. These diversions include international flights from destinations such as Bangkok, Sharjah, and Hong Kong. Domestic flights from Syedpur and Chattogram have also been affected.
Firefighting Efforts
A total of 36 firefighting units have been deployed to the site, with additional teams on standby. The presence of chemicals stored in the cargo zone has posed challenges for firefighting efforts. Thick smoke has been observed emanating from the affected area, indicating the severity of the situation.
Cause and Damage Assessment
The exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Authorities are working to assess the extent of the damage and determine the impact on airport operations. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.