KAA Explains Plane Crash During Drill at JKIA

A terminal at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi Kenya
A terminal at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi Kenya.
Photo
KAA

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) on Wednesday, May 30, clarified that earlier reports of an incident at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi was a full-scale emergency drill.

In a statement, KAA indicated that the drill involved using a simulated plane that crashed at the airport while overflying Nairobi.

The authority noted that KAA organised the drill as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing airport emergency response capabilities and ensuring the highest level of preparedness in unforeseen events.

"The primary objective of this exercise was to test and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the airport's emergency response procedures, coordination among various agencies, and the overall readiness of the airport's personnel," KAA wrote.

A photo of a departure terminal at the Jomo Kenyatta Internation Airport (JKIA) taken on May 16, 2020.
A photo of a departure terminal at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) taken on May 16, 2020.
Photo
KAA

However, the authority informed the public that the event was successfully handled and posed no danger to travellers and other JKIA operators.

"KAA would like to assure the public that this incident was entirely simulated and did not pose any real danger to passengers, crew members, or airport operations. The safety and security of all individuals involved were strictly prioritised throughout the exercise," the statement added.

Following the successful drill, KAA Managing Director Alex Gitari lauded the officials, indicating they demonstrated a high level of preparedness in tackling calamity.

"Safety is our utmost priority at Kenya Airports Authority, and conducting regular emergency drills is a crucial aspect of our commitment to ensuring the highest level of preparedness. I commend the efforts of all the personnel involved in this exercise for their professionalism and dedication," Gitari stated.

KAA clarified after an earlier statement announcing an incident at the international airport. A section of travellers and social media users raised concerns over the alleged incident.

Some wrote on various social media platforms stating that huge smoke was seen coming from JKIA.

However, the authority allayed fears maintaining that the response team was on the ground. Further, the authority informed all passengers and other Kenyans that it was a full-scale emergency drill involving a simulated plane that had crashed.

Different organisations perform emergency drills to test preparedness to tackle calamities and accidents. Recently, Village Market also conducted its drill to test its preparedness. 

In 2022, the US Embassy in Gigiri Nairobi also conducted a security drill which involved soldiers and barricading roads. The exercise was successful, giving security agencies confidence in tackling emergencies.

A photo collage of the JKIA terminal in Nairobi County taken on June 3, 2023 (left) and a plane taking off from a runway (left).
A photo collage of the JKIA terminal in Nairobi County taken on June 3, 2023 (left) and a plane taking off from a runway (left).
Photo
KAA / ISTOCK

 

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