Dhaka, Oct. 18 -- Flight operations at Dhaka's Shahjalal International Airport have been suspended following a fire at the airport's Cargo Village.

Domestic and international flights scheduled to land in Dhaka have been instructed to divert to Chattogram and Sylhet airports. More than a dozen flights have already been diverted after being unable to land in Dhaka.

Initially, Shahjalal's airfield was to remain closed until 6pm on Saturday, but the suspension was later extended to 9pm, with authorities saying it could be prolonged further if necessary.

Airport staff said the blaze broke out around 2:15pm on Saturday in the section of the import cargo complex where courier operations are handled.

A total of 36 fire service units are worki...