Massive Fire at Dhaka Airport: Bangladesh Faces $1 Billion in Damages

Mon Oct 20 2025 17:00:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A recent fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Bangladesh resulted in widespread destruction, with estimates of losses exceeding $1 billion. The incident is raising concerns among business leaders about the implications for the garment industry.

A catastrophic fire in the logistics section of Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has led to significant financial losses, estimated to exceed $1 billion. The fire impacted essential goods, including clothes and raw materials, posing risks to local businesses. Investigations are ongoing, and the incident comes amidst other major fires in the region, stirring public speculation about safety and accountability.

Business leaders in Bangladesh fear losses of more than $1bn (£750m) after a devastating fire broke out in the logistics section of the country's main airport on Saturday.

Clothes and raw materials were among the goods destroyed, which could put some businesses at risk, according to the country's export associations.

The cause of the fire - which took 27 hours to extinguish - is still being investigated. The blaze had forced the temporary suspension of flights and airport operations.

Bangladesh is the world's second-largest exporter of clothes after China, supplying global retailers like H&M and Walmart.

Bangladesh's garment sector generates around $40bn a year, accounting for over a tenth of its gross domestic product. Reports indicate that around 35 people were injured while working to contain the blaze.

The damaged airport cargo village is one of the country's busiest logistics hubs, especially during the pre-Christmas rush. The centre stored fabrics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other goods.

Some of the goods destroyed were essential samples for securing new buyers, which means affected businesses could lose out on future opportunities, said Inamul Haq Khan, senior vice-president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

The garments association has asked all its members to submit a list of damaged goods to determine the full extent of the losses.

Local media reports also indicate that this fire is Bangladesh's third major fire within a week, following a separate incident that killed at least 16 people.

While investigations into Saturday's airport fire are ongoing, conspiracy theories have emerged connecting it to the previous events.

The interim government of Bangladesh stated it would take immediate action if any credible evidence of sabotage or arson is found.

Large fires are sadly common in densely populated Bangladesh, often attributed to poor infrastructure and weak safety regulations.