Dhaka Airport fire likely started in import courier section: CAAB

The fire at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is believed to have originated from the import courier section, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Mohammad Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq confirmed the preliminary findings during a press briefing at CAAB headquarters at 11am on October 21.

“The exact cause is yet to be confirmed, but initial investigations suggest the fire began in the import courier section,” he said, adding that several agencies are currently investigating the incident.

During the fire, 15 flights were diverted to alternate routes, and all affected passengers were sent to their destinations by 4pm the following day.

Addressing questions about delayed fire service response, the CAAB chief explained that fire trucks faced obstacles entering the area due to goods piled up by Biman Bangladesh Airlines and other carriers in front of the cargo apron.

When asked if the incident would affect the airport’s global rating, he said, “The fire will not impact ICAO or other international standards. On the contrary, if proper measures follow the investigation, the airport’s reputation may actually improve.”