JKIA Passengers, Staff Hit By 8-Hour Blackout After Fire Incident

On Sunday, February 23, sections of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) began experiencing a blackout between 9 am and 5 pm, affecting passengers and staff at the premises and coming after a fire broke out at the airport's grassland.

Kenya Power announced in a statement dated February 22, revealing that power in the mentioned areas which include those at the airport would be switched off for maintenance. "Please receive planned power maintenance for tomorrow," the statement read.

The notice first mentions Barabara Plaza Road within JKIA, where the blackout will impact KeNHA Barabara Plaza, HCD, KCAA, and nearby customers.

Several businesses inside the airport, including Mitchell Cotts Group, Swissport Kenya Airflo, Crowne Plaza, Vegro, and DB Schenker, would also be affected.

Additionally, Air Connection, Kuehne+Nagel, Four Points Hotel, Airport Trade Centre, Global Freights Logistics, KAA, Siginon Aviation, Acceller, Freight Complex, and surrounding customers would experience disruptions.

How Blackouts Can Affect Airport Operations

Blackouts can have a significant impact on airport operations, affecting safety, security, and efficiency. For instance, flights can be grounded or delayed due to loss of navigation, communication, and air traffic control systems. Fuel systems can also be disrupted since they rely on electric pumps.

Regarding passenger services, check-in and baggage handling systems may shut down, causing long delays. Security screening equipment, such as X-ray scanners, may become non-operational and terminal lighting and signage may be affected, leading to confusion among passengers.

For Air Traffic Control (ATC), loss of radar and radio communications can compromise airspace safety. Even though backup generators are typically in place, a prolonged outage could strain contingency systems.

Blackouts can also exacerbate security risks as electronic access control and surveillance systems may fail, increasing vulnerability to unauthorized access. Additionally, emergency response coordination could be hindered.

Also, a blackout may lead to automated baggage systems to stop working, leading to delays and lost luggage. Cargo loading and unloading can be affected, impacting logistics and supply chains.

Further, emergency services such as fire suppression and emergency medical services may face challenges if communications and equipment are affected. Power-dependent rescue systems like elevators may stop working.

Mitigation Measures

Airports, JKIA included, typically have backup generators to power essential services. Some systems, like air traffic control and security, have redundant power supplies while emergency lighting and manual procedures help maintain operations during short-term outages.

Kenya Power's announcement came a day after a wildfire erupted inside JKIA on Friday night, sweeping through the grasslands bordering the main runway. The Kenya Red Cross confirmed the incident, reporting that the fire had spread towards 75 Airport North Road.

Despite concerns, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) assured that no critical infrastructure was damaged. Key airport operations, including aircraft takeoffs and landings, remained unaffected, and the airport continued to function without delays.

Nonetheless, police launched investigations into the cause of the wildfire, amidst claims it was started deliberately. Media reports hint at a discarded cigarette on the dry grass as the cause of the inferno.