A massive fire broke out at the courier warehouse of the cargo section of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon, disrupting flight operations.

Twenty units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence are working to bring the blaze under control, while 12 more units are on their way to the scene, said officials.

Thick black smoke has engulfed the airport area as the fire spread rapidly after originating in a portion of the cargo section.

Members of the Navy, Air Force and Civil Aviation Authority have joined the firefighting efforts alongside the Fire Service.

Masudul Hasan Masud, spokesperson of the airport’s Executive Director, said flight operations at the airport have been suspended due to the intensity of the fire.

Four flights scheduled to land in Dhaka have been diverted to Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport, he added.