Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has reassured travellers that flight operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) remain smooth and uninterrupted, even as emergency systems were put to the test at Terminal 1C.
At approximately 2:55 p.m. local time on July 20, a fire alarm was activated in the Terminal 1C check-in area, prompting an immediate response from JKIA’s Fire and Rescue team.
Though there was no immediate threat, the repeated triggering of the alarm led officials to deactivate the system for inspection and evacuate the terminal as a precaution.
“All flights scheduled for Terminal 1C have been seamlessly relocated to Terminal 1A and Terminal 1B,” KAA said in a statement. “There have been no disruptions to flight operations.”
Passengers were urged to confirm their new terminal assignments with their respective airlines.
No injuries or property damage were reported, and KAA teams remain on-site to investigate and resolve the issue.
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“Safety remains our top priority,” KAA stated, expressing gratitude to passengers and stakeholders for their patience and cooperation during the response.
Fire at JKIA
On February 21, a wildfire erupted on grassland near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, advancing toward 75 Airport North Road.
Kenya Airports Authority confirmed the fire but stated that no critical infrastructure was affected.
Footage shared with The Kenya Times showed flames near the airport’s runway. One video captured from a landing plane showed the proximity of the fire to the runway.
KAA noted that firefighting teams from the Kenya Defence Forces, Nairobi County Fire Department, and its own Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service worked together to contain the blaze.
Future Plans for JKIA and Wilson Airports
JKIA, one of Africa’s busiest aviation hubs, handles millions of passengers annually.
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The Kenya Airports Authority recently announced the development of Integrated Master Plans for both JKIA and Wilson Airport (WAP) to guide future improvements and service delivery.
In a notice dated July 20, KAA explained that the master planning process includes a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA), led by Dar Al Handasah Consultants and Geodev (K) Ltd.
The assessment complies with the Environmental Management and Coordination Act of 1999 and will involve extensive stakeholder engagement.
KAA invited neighboring communities, organizations, and interested individuals to participate in upcoming public meetings.
The engagement exercise will be held at six venues—three dedicated to each airport.
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