A routine safety drill conducted by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) at Moi International Airport in Mombasa on Tuesday momentarily sparked panic among unsuspecting passengers, causing confusion and anxiety within the airport premises.
According to eyewitnesses, some travelers were caught off guard and were seen dashing for safety after an announcement hinted at an “incident involving an aircraft.” The unexpected scenario led to fears of a possible accident or security breach, prompting passengers and airport users to react quickly, despite the absence of any real danger.
KAA later clarified the situation through its official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating that emergency response teams were handling a simulated emergency involving an aircraft. The authority emphasized that the situation was under control and reassured the public that the drill did not disrupt any airport operations.
“Airport emergency services are currently responding to an incident involving an aircraft at Moi Intl. Airport. The situation is being managed by first responders. We will provide further details as soon as they are confirmed. Please monitor this account for official updates,” the post read.
Despite the temporary scare, airport operations continued normally throughout the exercise, with flights and passenger services remaining uninterrupted.
A source familiar with the drill confirmed that it was a planned safety exercise aimed at testing the preparedness and coordination of various emergency response teams within the airport. Such drills are standard practice in major airports globally to ensure that personnel are ready to respond effectively in the event of an actual emergency.
“It’s just a drill,” the source said, adding that the simulation was part of routine safety and security procedures to enhance overall response capabilities.
While the KAA’s intention was to evaluate the effectiveness of emergency protocols, the lack of prior communication to the public appears to have contributed to the panic. Moving forward, better coordination and public awareness may help minimize confusion during such essential exercises.
Moi International Airport is one of Kenya’s busiest air transport hubs, making safety and emergency preparedness critical to its operations.
