Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
08 August 2013 08:55
Police stand guard following a fire at the international arrivals unit of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, Kenya (AP)
Kenya's main international airport has been forced to close its arrivals area following an early morning blaze.
All in-bound flights to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport have been re-routed and black smoke was seen to be spreading across much of Nairobi as fire teams tackled the inferno.
Passengers in the fire-damaged arrivals area were evacuated and left stranded outside the airport with their bags beside them following the incident at 5am on Wednesday.
Reports say the area where passengers pass through immigration and collect their luggage has been severely damaged.
No injuries have been reported and flights due to arrive at the busy airport have been diverted to Mombasa, Michael Kamau, the cabinet secretary for transport and infrastructure, said.
The incident reinforces the importance of comprehensive travel insurance for anyone planning a trip overseas.
The closure is to allow firefighters to get the blaze under control, Kenya Airports Authority said. No notice has been given on when it is thought the airport will reopen.
The cause of the fire is not yet known and Kenya's anti-terror police chief, Boniface Mwaniki, said a full inspection would be carried out once the blaze has been extinguished. Until then, no judgement or speculation will be made, he added.
A British passenger, Martyn Collbeck, said: "When I arrived there were one or two fire engines parked outside the international arrivals. It spread very fast.
"There were a couple of explosions which I think were a couple of gas canisters. I would have expected more fire engines to respond faster."
08 July 2019
Want to taste the real France? Experience the best French food and drink at one of these excellent foodie festivals. Perfect for food and wine lovers everywhere!
[more...]
Tired of the same old travel options? Explore the best travel experiences at one of these weird and wacky festivals from around the world.
Heading to the beach? Pack everything you need for the whole family by following this simple checklist.
05 July 2019
Heading off for some sun this summer? Protect your family's skin with these top tips to stay safe in the sun and prevent sunburn and lasting skin damage.
28 June 2019
Tired of paying over the odds for your family's summer holiday? Keep your costs down with our guide on how to get away for less...
Want to see Europe's greatest sport stars go head-to-head? Then head to Minsk! The capital of Belarus hosts this year's European Games – here's everything you need to know before travelling.
Heading to the European Games? Get more from your trip to Minsk by visiting some of these must-see attractions in the capital of Belarus.
Heading to the Austrian Grand Prix this summer? Get more out of your trip to Spielberg's iconic Red Bull Ring circuit with our guide to the local area.
07 June 2019
Thinking about going camping in France this summer but don't know where to try? Here's our quick guide to the best places to camp, whatever you're looking for.
Get hitched without a hitch! Here are our top tips on how to choose your perfect wedding location abroad, covering everything from food to legalities.
03 June 2019
Want to get into surfing but not sure where to go? Here's where you should be heading to get the best beginner waves around the world.