Major fire incidents at Dhaka Airport
Staff Reporter :
Over the past decade, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka has witnessed several fire-related incidents, drawing concern over safety and preparedness in the aviation sector.
Here is a chronological account of notable fire incidents at HSIA, compiled from various media reports.
18 October 2025 – Massive fire engulfs cargo village: A large blaze broke out in the cargo village area near Gate 8 of Dhaka airport around 2:30pm.
The fire, which started in a section storing imported goods including chemicals and fabrics, forced the suspension of all flight operations.
Units from the Fire Service, Air Force, Navy, and Civil Aviation Authority worked jointly to contain the flames. Several incoming flights were diverted to alternate airports, though authorities confirmed no casualties.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. 2022 – Oil tanker lorries catch fire near third terminal: In 2022, two oil tankers caught fire close to the under-construction third terminal of HSIA.
Four fire service units promptly brought the blaze under control, and no injuries were reported.
2018 – Short circuit triggers terminal blaze : A short circuit caused a fire near the immigration section ceiling of the airport’s main terminal.
Although the incident created panic among passengers, firefighters quickly contained it, and no one was injured.
2017 – Main terminal blaze disrupts flight operations : A fire erupted inside the main terminal building of HSIA, leading to heavy traffic congestion and temporary disruption of air operations.
Details on the extent of the damage and the source of the fire were not fully disclosed.
2016 – Regent Airways aircraft catches fire before takeoff : A Regent Airways aircraft experienced a fire due to a technical fault just before takeoff at HSIA.
All 116 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated without any casualties.
2015 – Fire in immigration police office : An electrical short circuit sparked a fire inside an immigration police officer’s office at the airport.
The flames were extinguished immediately, preventing further damage or injury.
2013 – Blaze at ‘Spicy Restaurant’ quickly doused : A fire broke out at the ‘Spicy Restaurant’ located within HSIA premises.
Airport employees promptly contained the blaze, and no casualties were reported.
In light of the recurring incidents, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) issued a high alert in April 2023, warning of elevated fire risks in airport warehouses where chemicals and other essential goods are stored.