On Sunday, September 22, the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) experienced a safety incident at Terminal 3’s Departure Hall when smoke was detected coming from a passenger’s luggage. The event occurred at approximately 3:27 p.m. near the baggage wrap area, raising immediate concern among airport authorities.
The management of Kotoka International Airport swiftly responded to the situation through the Operations Room of the Aviation Security Department. Upon discovering the smoking luggage, the airport’s security team acted promptly to isolate the bag and assess the situation. Following established emergency procedures by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), passengers inside the terminal were evacuated to ensure their safety.
In an official statement, KIA management explained that the passenger whose luggage was emitting smoke has been handed over to the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) for further interrogation. The swift handover to the NIB is part of standard protocol to investigate the circumstances leading to the incident and ensure full compliance with aviation safety regulations.
As part of the airport’s routine reminder to all travelers, the GACL reiterated that passengers are strictly prohibited from carrying batteries or any other hazardous items in their luggage, as these pose a serious threat to flight safety. This rule is enforced in alignment with International Civil Aviation Regulations, which govern the safety standards for airports and airlines worldwide. The GACL stressed that any luggage found containing prohibited items, including batteries, will not only be confiscated but also result in the passenger being handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
The evacuation of the terminal was carried out with efficiency and calm, thanks to the cooperation of passengers and the quick response by airport security staff. Management of Kotoka International Airport expressed their gratitude to travelers for their patience and understanding during the temporary disruption caused by the emergency evacuation. They reassured the public that ensuring passenger safety remains their utmost priority, and that all necessary measures are in place to handle such situations swiftly and effectively.
Following the incident, airport officials confirmed that operations at Terminal 3 have since returned to normal, with flights and other airport activities resuming smoothly. This event, while causing a brief disruption, was handled according to the emergency preparedness procedures set by GACL, demonstrating the airport’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all travelers. The rapid and well-coordinated response to the situation helped minimize the impact on the terminal’s operations and ensured the safety of everyone involved.
In light of this incident, the airport management is once again urging all passengers to familiarize themselves with the rules regarding what items are permitted in both checked and carry-on luggage. Batteries, in particular, are known to be a common cause of similar incidents at airports due to their potential to overheat or ignite under certain conditions. As a precaution, GACL is reinforcing the importance of these regulations to prevent any future occurrences that may compromise safety.
Travelers are reminded that adherence to aviation safety rules is essential not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of others. The airport continues to monitor and enforce strict compliance with all safety protocols, ensuring that Kotoka International Airport maintains its high standards of operational safety.
In summary, while the smoking luggage incident caused a brief evacuation at Terminal 3, the quick action of airport security and the cooperation of passengers helped avert any major disruptions. The GACL remains committed to upholding stringent safety procedures to protect both passengers and staff, and it continues to work closely with aviation authorities to maintain a secure and efficient airport environment.
As the investigation by the National Investigations Bureau continues, more details may emerge about the specific cause of the smoking luggage. In the meantime, Kotoka International Airport assures the public that every necessary measure is being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future, and they remain fully committed to ensuring that safety is never compromised.
