A massive fire erupted in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, prompting authorities to suspend all flight operations on Monday as emergency crews raced to contain the blaze.

Thick plumes of black smoke billowed from the airport’s cargo terminal, visible across the capital, as firefighters battled for hours to bring the flames under control. Initial reports suggest the fire began in a storage facility used for air freight operations, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

“All flights have been temporarily grounded as a precautionary measure,” an airport official confirmed. “Our priority is ensuring the safety of passengers, staff, and responders on site.”

Authorities quickly evacuated personnel and sealed off nearby terminals while deploying multiple fire engines and emergency units. As of late evening, no casualties had been reported, though several workers were treated for smoke inhalation.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) announced that normal operations would resume only after structural inspections ensure the site’s safety. Airlines have been asked to delay or divert incoming flights until further notice.

The Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport — the country’s busiest aviation hub — handles millions of passengers and significant cargo traffic each year. The fire has raised immediate concerns about airport safety standards and emergency preparedness, with officials pledging a full inquiry into the incident.

“We will investigate the source of the fire and take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” said a CAAB spokesperson.

The incident underscores ongoing challenges in infrastructure safety and fire management at major regional airports, with observers calling for stronger preventive measures in high-risk cargo areas.