Published : 19 Oct 2025, 09:42 PM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 02:36 PM
All fees for non-scheduled flights at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport have been waived for the next three days following a major fire at the airport’s cargo complex.
Sheikh Bashir Uddin, advisor to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, made the announcement on Sunday while speaking to reporters outside Cargo Gate No. 8 of the airport.
“The fire broke out around 2:15pm on Saturday. It took 37 firefighting units until about 8:30pm to bring the flames under control. Damage assessment is still under way. We are working to determine both the financial loss and the total weight of the destroyed goods, as well as sector-wise breakdowns,” he said.
He added that an inter-ministerial meeting had been called for Sunday afternoon to decide the next course of action.
“Our commitment was to reopen the airport by 9pm [on Saturday], and we succeeded in doing so,” he added.
The advisor said that around 21 flights had to be diverted or cancelled after the fire broke out.
“To reduce the suffering of passengers, we have issued an order waiving all charges for any non-scheduled flights arriving over the next three days.
“In addition, we have taken full responsibility for passengers’ meals and other services. However, despite our best efforts, some disruptions may still occur, as we are dealing with multiple issues at once," he added, while apologising for the difficulties passengers have faced.
