A tense situation unfolded at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra on Sunday afternoon when a passenger’s luggage began emitting smoke in the Terminal 3 departure hall.
Vigilant staff members promptly located the smoking luggage at the baggage wrapping area and segregated it, according to a statement released by GACL management.
In accordance with established emergency protocols, officials promptly ejected passengers from the terminal. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) confirmed the incident occurred around 15:27 G.M.T.
The GACL, in a statement, emphasized the significance of abiding by international aviation standards, reminding travelers that it is completely forbidden to travel with batteries.
The passenger whose luggage caused the disruption was identified and handed over to the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) for questioning.
GACL further stated that the traveler might face additional legal action from the authorities if any illegal items were found in their luggage and were confiscated.
The management expressed their appreciation to the passengers for their cooperation throughout the evacuation.
They emphasized that passenger safety is their first concern. The kotoko international airport terminal has since resumed regular operations.
The statement read:
INCIDENT AT TERMINAL 3 DEPARTURE HALL, KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KIA)
Management of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) wishes to confirm that on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at approximately 3.27pm, a passenger’s luggage was detected to be emitting smoke at the baggage wrap area at the Departure Hall, Terminal 3, KIA.
The Operations Room of Aviation Security Department was immediately alerted and the luggage in question was swiftly isolated. Passengers in the terminal at the time were quickly evacuated in line with GACL’s Emergency Operations procedures.
The passenger has been handed over to the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) for interrogation. Passengers are advised not to travel with batteries, as this is against International Civil Aviation Regulations. Any detection of batteries or any other prohibited items or substances in luggage, will be confiscated and the passenger handed over to the authorities for processing.
Management wishes to thank passengers who were in the departure hall at the time of the incident for their cooperation during the evacuation process. The safety of our passengers is paramount.
All passenger facilitation and terminal operations have resumed smoothly.
SIGNED MANAGEMENT 22nd SEPTEMBER 2024
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