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Massive Fire Breaks Out at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A devastating fire swept through the cargo terminal of Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday afternoon, forcing authorities to suspend all flight operations and divert several inbound aircraft. The blaze, which is believed to have started around 2:15pm in the Cargo Village area, has been brought largely under control, but the cause remains unknown. The fire has caused significant disruption to air travel in the region, with at least five international flights being diverted to nearby airports.

Key Takeaways:

  • The fire broke out at 2:15pm in the Cargo Village area of Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
  • 36 firefighting units, including those from the Bangladesh Air Force and Navy, were deployed to control the inferno.
  • Two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) also joined the rescue operation.
  • At least five international flights were diverted to nearby airports, including two by US-Bangla Airlines, two by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and one Indigo flight from Delhi.
  • Flight operations at Dhaka airport were suspended until 9:00 pm, with outbound passengers waiting at terminals.
  • The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) confirmed that concerted efforts have brought the fire largely under control.
  • The cause of the blaze remains unknown.
  • This marks the third major fire in Bangladesh in four days, following similar incidents in Dhaka's Mirpur and at a factory in Chattogram's Export Processing Zone.
  • Italy has offered Bangladesh technical assistance to improve fire investigation and prevention capabilities.

Statistics:

  • 36 firefighting units were deployed to control the fire.
  • 16 firefighting units were working initially, with 16 more on the way.
  • 16 units were working by 5:00 pm, with the fire largely under control.
  • At least 275 passengers were affected by the flight diversions.
  • 5 international flights were diverted to nearby airports.

Sources:

  • Indian Awaaz, "Massive fire breaks out at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport"
  • The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB)

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