A significant fire erupted at the cargo terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, leading to the suspension of all flight operations and causing widespread disruptions for UAE-based airlines. The blaze, which began around 2:30 PM local time (12:30 PM UAE time), prompted immediate emergency responses, with 36 firefighting units deployed to contain the flames. Authorities are relocating aircraft from hangars to prevent further damage. The incident has significantly impacted air travel, particularly for flights originating from the UAE. A flydubai flight (FZ 8369) en route from Dubai to Dhaka was diverted mid-air to Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. The airline assured passengers of refreshments and a rescheduled journey to Dhaka later in the day. Similarly, Sharjah-based Air Arabia rescheduled its Dhaka-bound flight, originally set to depart at 2:55 PM UAE time, to 6 PM. Bangladeshi media confirmed the suspension of all flights at the airport, with no immediate timeline for resumption. The fire has raised concerns about airport safety and operational protocols, with investigations likely to follow. Travelers are advised to monitor updates from airlines and airport authorities for further developments.
