Dhaka Airport Cargo Disruptions Persist Following Major Fire Incident

Overview of the Dhaka Airport Cargo Crisis

Significant disruptions continue to affect the cargo operations at Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka nearly a month after a fire devastates the import cargo village. This incident has created widespread delays, financial losses, and raised concerns about cargo safety and customs efficiency.

Historical Background of Cargo Operations at Dhaka Airport

Over the last two decades, Shahjalal International Airport has served as a vital gateway for air freight in Bangladesh, handling a diverse range of imports including garments, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and government supplies. The airport’s cargo village, equipped with multiple delivery gates and advanced scanning technology, supported the smooth processing of thousands of airway bills daily, managed by a network of over 50 courier companies with DHL and FedEx holding leading market shares.

Prior to the fire incident, about 20% of imported consignments underwent risk-based physical examination, ensuring compliance with safety and customs regulations and preventing unlawful goods from entering the country.

The Impact of the Fire and Its Ongoing Challenges

The fire on 18 October 2025 instantly destroyed the cargo village infrastructure, leaving critical scanning machines inoperative and reducing physical inspections to under 5%. Only two of the original five delivery gates are functional, significantly limiting cargo handling capacity. Courier firms face storage shortages, leading to disorganized parcel management and delayed consignments.

These disruptions have resulted in nearly half of daily consignments, approximately 1,000 tonnes of cargo, remaining undelivered. The lack of effective enforcement on parcel clearance deadlines has compounded congestion, slowing the entire logistics chain.

Concerns About Customs Inspections and Security Risks

With physical checks curtailed, customs authorities express fears about increased false declarations where shipments might be undervalued or misclassified to evade duties. This gap heightens the risk of prohibited or hazardous goods slipping through, jeopardizing both government revenue and public safety. Customs officials continue to apply risk assessments but acknowledge limitations due to damaged equipment.

Key Aspect	Pre-Fire Status	Post-Fire Status
Physical Cargo Inspections	20% of consignments	Below 5%
Operational Delivery Gates	5 gates	2 gates
Undelivered Cargo	Minimal	Approximately 50% daily
Storage Conditions	Organized and sufficient	Disorganized and limited

Government and Industry Responses

In response to the cargo village fire, discussions have resurfaced around relocating the facility beyond airport premises to mitigate fire hazards and improve operational efficiency. However, regulatory complexities exist since not all courier companies fully comply with customs policies, and external relocation could complicate supervision.

Authorities continue to emphasize safety improvements and better management systems to build a more resilient air cargo framework. Meanwhile, the national airline maintains round-the-clock efforts to facilitate cargo delivery, although importer delays in collection contribute to backlogs.

Additional Data and Insights

• Dhaka Customs House processes approximately 8,000 airway bills daily.

• About 70% of cargo items weigh under one kilogram, covering parcels like garment samples and electronics.

• Insurance for the cargo village was limited, covering only a fraction of potential losses.

• A new government regulation allows forfeiture of unclaimed parcels after 48 hours, though enforcement is weak.

Opportunities for Freight Carriers Amid the Dhaka Cargo Crisis

The current situation poses both challenges and opportunities for freight carriers operating in the region. With traditional customs checks limited, carriers who adapt by leveraging flexible, technology-driven platforms can better manage their shipments and select profitable orders aligned with their capabilities.

A global marketplace platform like GetTransport.com empowers carriers to navigate these complex circumstances by offering access to various cargo transportation requests worldwide. This enables carriers to maintain income stability, reduce reliance on fixed corporate policies, and benefit from transparent order selection and pricing.

How GetTransport.com Supports Logistics Providers

The platform offers a streamlined interface for booking multiple types of transport services, from courier deliveries to office and home relocations. It handles the transportation of bulky items such as furniture and vehicles, thereby broadening the range of logistics solutions available. Such versatility is crucial in markets where infrastructure disruptions have a ripple effect on freight movement.

By adopting modern digital tools, freight carriers can optimize route planning and pricing strategy, connecting with clients globally and ensuring cargo is shipped efficiently despite local setbacks.

Monitoring Trends in International Logistics

GetTransport.com remains committed to tracking ongoing developments in international logistics, global trade, and e-commerce. Staying updated on shifts like the Dhaka cargo incident enables the platform and its users to respond swiftly, ensuring continuity and competitiveness in cargo transport operations.

Key Takeaways

• The fire at Dhaka Airport cargo village severely disrupted airfreight flow, reducing customs inspections and delivery capacity.

• Physical inspections fell from 20% to below 5%, raising risks of false declarations and prohibited shipments.

• Only two delivery gates remain active, causing storage disorganization and delays with roughly half of daily consignments undelivered.

• The government considers relocating the cargo village to improve safety and efficiency challenges.

• GetTransport.com offers freight carriers flexible, transparent access to global cargo orders, minimizing dependence on such disruptions.

While reviews and reports highlight the critical nature of such logistics disruptions, nothing substitutes for firsthand experience in managing freight flows under complex conditions. On GetTransport.com, freight carriers and shippers can book transportation services at competitive prices globally, empowering informed choices without excessive costs or frustration. The platform’s transparency and broad service range offer an invaluable resource amid uncertainty.

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Conclusion

The aftermath of the Shahjalal International Airport fire reveals critical vulnerabilities in air cargo logistics, highlighting the necessity for robust infrastructure and adaptable operational strategies. These disruptions not only impact timely shipment delivery but also increase risks related to customs compliance and cargo security.

For logistics providers, the evolving landscape underscores the importance of leveraging modern platforms like GetTransport.com, which offer access to international cargo transport opportunities with an emphasis on flexibility, affordability, and reliability.

In a globally interconnected market, adapting to challenges such as those seen in Dhaka is essential for maintaining effective container freight, shipment delivery, and overall logistics chain resilience.