Dhaka, 19 October 2025 – A fire erupted at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Friday, forcing a six-hour suspension of flights and injuring 25 security personnel. Exporters now scramble to assess Dhaka airport fire exporters losses amid concerns of widespread economic fallout.
The incident highlights vulnerabilities in Bangladesh’s export-dependent economy, a key driver in South Asia where disruptions at major hubs can ripple through regional trade networks reliant on timely air cargo shipments.
Fire Outbreak and Immediate Response
The blaze started around 2:15 PM on Friday, 18 October 2025, in the import-export cargo area near Gate 8. Firefighters, supported by 37 units from the army, navy, air force, and border guards, battled the flames for seven hours before bringing them under control. Smoke continued to rise from the site into Saturday morning, complicating early assessments.
Airport authorities suspended all operations, diverting at least eight flights – six international – to Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport and Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport. No passengers were harmed, but 25 Ansar members sustained injuries during the response. Flights resumed late Friday evening after safety checks.
The cause remains unknown. Dhaka Fire Service and Civil Defence Director General Mohammad Zahid Kamal cited narrow spaces and strong winds as factors that prolonged the firefighting effort. An investigation is underway, but details on ignition sources are pending.
Bangladesh Cargo Fire Export Impact
Bangladesh’s export sector, which accounts for over 80% of the country’s foreign earnings, faces immediate threats from the Hazrat Shahjalal airport fire 2025. Air cargo handles high-value and time-sensitive goods, including ready-made garments (RMG), perishable items like vegetables, fruits, and betel leaves, as well as documents via international couriers.
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) estimates that products from 200 to 250 factories may have been damaged. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan stated: “We do not have any specific information at this moment about the quantity of goods damaged. If it reopens quickly, the losses will be less. If it remains closed for a longer period, the losses will be greater.”
S M Jahangir Hossain, president of the Bangladesh Fruits, Vegetables and Allied Products Exporters’ Association (BFVAPEA), added: “Our shipments to various destinations depend on the availability of space on the aircraft. So, on days when we get more space, we can send more goods. We are currently investigating how many products our members had there today.”
Traders fear the Bangladesh cargo fire export impact could exceed USD 1 billion, encompassing direct damages and indirect costs from delayed shipments. One exporter reported samples worth USD 40000 destroyed, with uncertainty over 800000 pieces of goods. Perishable exports, vital for markets in the Middle East and Europe, are at highest risk if storage and transit delays persist.
The National Board of Revenue has implemented special measures to facilitate uninterrupted imports and exports at Dhaka Customs House, but full recovery depends on cargo village operations resuming fully.
Government Actions and Probes
The interim government formed a five-member committee to evaluate the fire’s damage, headed by a senior official from the Civil Aviation Authority. The panel includes representatives from the finance ministry, customs, and airport security.
Separately, the finance ministry established another five-member panel to assess overall losses and recommend support for affected businesses. These steps aim to quantify Dhaka airport fire exporters losses and mitigate long-term effects.
Background: Airport’s Role in Bangladesh Economy
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Bangladesh’s busiest, processes over 70% of the nation’s air cargo. In 2024, it handled 400000 tonnes of freight, supporting an export industry valued at USD 50 billion annually. The cargo village, a critical node for RMG – which employs 4 million workers – has faced prior challenges, including capacity constraints and security audits.
Just six days before the blaze, the airport received international recognition for 100% cargo safety compliance from global aviation bodies. The irony underscores ongoing risks in infrastructure amid rapid economic growth. Bangladesh’s exports to South Asian neighbours and beyond rely on efficient logistics, making such incidents a regional concern.
What’s Next
Exporters plan site visits to catalogue damages, with a BGMEA delegation scheduled for noon on Sunday, 19 October 2025. Associations have instructed members to submit detailed lists of affected goods within two days.
Government panels will deliver preliminary findings soon, potentially unlocking aid or insurance claims. Airport authorities aim to restore full cargo operations by mid-week, but prolonged downtime could amplify Bangladesh cargo fire export impact.
In a forward-looking move, officials from Bangladesh and Italy discussed enhanced cooperation on fire investigation techniques and joint training, signalling efforts to bolster airport resilience.
The Hazrat Shahjalal airport fire 2025 serves as a stark reminder of infrastructure fragility. As assessments continue, stakeholders urge swift action to minimise Dhaka airport fire exporters losses and safeguard the export sector’s momentum.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, October 19th, 2025
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