Kenya shuts airport after fire

Nairobi, Aug 7: Kenya Wednesday shut down the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) here after a huge fire engulfed the international arrival section and paralysed daily operations, authorities said.

Interior Ministry Provincial Secretary Mutea Iringo said all flights in and out of the airport, with an exception to emergency landings, have been cancelled until the situation normalises.

"The fire is massive. We have overwhelming support but it has affected the arrivals. Arrivals and immigration were badly damaged. The airport has been closed down," Iringo said as firefighters struggled to contain the flames, which started at around 4.30 a.m.

All flights were now re-routed to Mombasa International Airport and Eldoret International Airport.

Kenya Red Cross Society Disaster Risk Reduction Officer Daniel Mutinda said the immigration section of the busy airport has been cordoned off.

The cause of the fire has not been established and no casualties were reported so far, Mutinda said.

Kenya Airports Authority spokesman Dominic Ngige said the fire charred part of the international arrivals building and unit one which handles departure procedures.

IANS