Massive Fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Causes Severe Disruption and Potential $1 Billion in Losses

Strategic Insights -

A devastating fire broke out at the cargo section of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon, causing widespread disruption to flight operations and potentially resulting in over $1 billion in losses. The blaze started around 2:30 pm in the imported cargo complex near Gate 8, also known as the Hangar Gate, and spread quickly, drawing crowds of onlookers who were urged to move away for safety. At least 36 units of the Fire Service were engaged in controlling the blaze, with the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh Navy, and other agencies also participating in the firefighting effort. Despite the efforts, several fire service personnel were injured while battling the flames, and at least 17 Ansars were injured while taming the fire. The fire caused severe disruption to air traffic, with at least nine flights originally scheduled to land at Dhaka being diverted to other airports.

Key Takeaways:

  • The fire broke out in the imported cargo complex near Gate 8, also known as the Hangar Gate, around 2:30 pm on Saturday afternoon.
  • At least 36 units of the Fire Service were engaged in controlling the blaze, with the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh Navy, and other agencies also participating.
  • Several fire service personnel and at least 17 Ansars were injured while battling the flames or taming the fire.
  • The fire caused severe disruption to air traffic, with at least nine flights being diverted to other airports.
  • At least 17 Ansars were injured while taming the fire, nine of whom were admitted to CMH and eight to Kurmitola General Hospital.
  • The fire spread across the entire imported cargo complex, with authorities struggling to contain it.
  • The Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association estimated that the area storing international courier goods has been severely damaged.
  • All cargo consignments are insured, and compensation will be provided, although the total damage is still being assessed.
  • An inquiry committee led by the Chief, Flight Safety, has been formed to investigate the fire incident.

Statistics:

  • The fire broke out around 2:30 pm on Saturday afternoon.
  • At least 36 units of the Fire Service were engaged in controlling the blaze.
  • At least 17 Ansars were injured while taming the fire.
  • The fire caused severe disruption to air traffic, with at least nine flights being diverted to other airports.
  • Eight flights landed in Chattogram, including two domestic flights and one international flight from Bangkok.
  • A flight from Riyadh landed in Sylhet with 396 passengers.
  • Domestic flights were also affected, with one flight from Syedpur being diverted to Chattogram and a US-Bangla flight returning to Chattogram after takeoff.
  • The fire started near the northern side of Gate 3 in the imported cargo complex.
  • The area storing international courier goods has been severely damaged.

Sources:

  • The New Nation