Key Takeaways
- Dhaka airport resumes operations after 6-hour suspension due to cargo section fire
- Economic losses from the blaze could exceed $1 billion, impacting imports and exports
- This marks the third major fire incident in Bangladesh within a single week
Flight operations have resumed at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, six hours after a major fire in the cargo section forced a complete suspension on Saturday. Airport officials confirmed the first flight departed at 9:06 PM local time after firefighters brought the blaze under control.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism stated that the fire has been completely controlled and announced plans to investigate the source and implement preventive measures. Around 37 firefighting units, supported by army, navy, and air force personnel, worked to extinguish the flames.
Massive Economic Impact Feared
Kabir Ahmed, president of the International Air Express Association of Bangladesh, warned that while exact losses are still being calculated, the overall impact on imports and exports could exceed $1 billion. “It’s too early to estimate the exact losses, but the overall impact – direct and indirect – on imports and exports could exceed $1 billion,” Ahmed stated.
Flight Disruptions and Diversions
Both domestic and international flights experienced significant disruptions during the suspension. An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Dhaka was diverted to Kolkata, while an Air Arabia flight from Sharjah was directed to Chittagong, approximately 250 kilometers southeast of Dhaka.
Third Major Fire in One Week
This incident represents the third major fire to hit Bangladesh within a week. On Tuesday, a fire at a garment factory and adjacent chemical warehouse in Dhaka killed at least 16 people and injured others. Just two days later, another fire destroyed a seven-storey garment factory building in an export processing zone in Chittagong.
The interim government has launched thorough investigations into all recent fires across the country. Security forces are working to protect lives and property, with authorities warning that any evidence of sabotage or arson would be met with swift and decisive response.
