Flights Resume at Dhaka Airport After Major Fire | October 18, 2025 Update

Flights Resume at Dhaka Airport After Massive Fire Disruption

October 18, 2025 — Dhaka, Bangladesh: Flights have resumed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after a massive fire broke out at the cargo terminal earlier today, forcing authorities to suspend all operations for nearly six hours. According to airport officials, the first outbound flight departed at 9:06 p.m. local time, signaling a swift recovery of operations after emergency services brought the blaze under control.

The fire originated in the airport’s cargo section, where international goods and border logistics are handled. Following the incident, both domestic and international flights were grounded, and several were diverted to nearby airports, including Chattogram and Sylhet. More than 37 firefighting units, supported by the Air Force, Navy, and Army personnel, were deployed to extinguish the flames and prevent further damage.

During the suspension, hundreds of passengers faced severe delays, with many stranded inside terminals awaiting updates. Airport authorities later confirmed that all aircraft and crew members were safe and no casualties had been reported. “Our top priority was passenger safety. The fire has been completely contained, and full operations are now restored,” an airport spokesperson said.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism of Bangladesh announced an immediate investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Officials added that a comprehensive review of fire safety protocols will be conducted, and enhanced preventive measures will be implemented to avoid such incidents in the future.

This fire marks one of several major incidents in Bangladesh this month. Earlier, a garment factory and a chemical warehouse also caught fire, raising concerns about the country’s inadequate fire safety standards. Experts say these recurring incidents underscore the urgent need for stricter monitoring and modern fire-control systems, especially in critical infrastructure such as airports.

Aviation analysts believe that resuming flights quickly was a positive signal, demonstrating the efficiency and resilience of Bangladesh’s emergency response teams. They noted that restoring operations not only benefits passengers but also boosts confidence among international airlines and trade partners. However, they cautioned that without sustained investment in infrastructure and safety training, similar disruptions could reoccur.

In summary, the Dhaka Airport fire served as both a challenge and a lesson for authorities. The swift containment of the fire and the timely resumption of flights show commendable crisis management. Now, the real test lies in ensuring that Bangladesh strengthens its aviation safety framework to prevent such emergencies in the future, ensuring safe, reliable, and uninterrupted air travel for all.