Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
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."
06 January 2020
Get the most out of your 2020 getaway with our top holiday planning tips.
[more...]
Discover a new passion this winter with one of these alternative winter sports.
Stay safe out on the slopes with our 5 top safety tips for winter sports...
Is learning a language your new year's resolution? Try one of these interactive apps to help you on your way.
20 December 2019
Take to the slopes in 2020 at one of our favourite winter sport destinations...
Join us on a quick culinary tour to see what the world will be feasting on over the festive period...
19 December 2019
Think nice rather than naughty, with our tips to making the most of a Christmas getaway with the kids...
Tackle the trials and tribulations of Christmas travel with our easy to follow tips.
02 December 2019
Turn Christmas traditions on their head and treat yourself to the present of a festive season away from home.
Reduce your screen time and commit to some me time at some of our favourite detox destinations.
09 December 2019
We asked for the tale behind tea and found ourselves more infused than ever.
Marvel at views of the world's most spectacular peaks.