Bangladesh Airport fire engulfs terminal as firefighters battle huge blaze

All flights have been suspended after a huge blaze broke out at Bangladesh's biggest airport. The cargo hold at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka caught fire at around 2.15pm local time.

Footage and images shared to social media shows thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky over the Bangladesh capital. A fire service spokesperson said the blaze started in the busy airport's cargo terminal near Gate 8. Fire crews, including those from both Bangladesh's air force and navy, have rushed to the scene.

Thirty-two firefighting units are currently working to put out the fire, local reports say.

A spokesperson for the airprot told The Daily Star in Bangladesh: "All our aircraft are confirmed safe. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops."

The outlet reports the fire is almost under control.

A spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh said the fire was first reported at approximately 2.15pm local time.

A fire service official said crews received reports soon after at around 2.30pm local time.

Planes stationed in hangars are being relocated to prevent potential damage, according to the Dhaka Tribune.

Sources told the outlet that two flights are currently waiting on the airport's taxiway.

Several flights due to land at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport have been diverted.

The airport is 11 miles north of the Dhaka city centre - Dhaka is Bangladesh's biggest city and one of the largest in the world with more than 24 million people estimated to be living in its metropolitan area.

Bangladesh's Inter-Services Public Relations earlier said two air force fire fightings units were on the scene, before later confirming navy firefighters had also joined the operation.

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