Luggage emitting smoke at Kotoka triggers evacuation; Passenger handed to NIB

Management of the Kotoka International Airport has confirmed an incident at the Terminal 3 Departure Hall of on Sunday, September 22 when a passenger’s luggage was discovered to be emitting smoke at approximately 3:27 p.m.

The luggage was located at the baggage wrap area, prompting immediate action from the Operations Room of the Aviation Security Department.

The security team swiftly isolated the bag, and passengers in the terminal were evacuated as per the Ghana Airports Company Limited’s (GACL) Emergency Operations procedures.

In a statement, the management of KIA disclosed that the passenger involved has been handed over to the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) for interrogation.

The GACL also reminded passengers not to travel with batteries, as doing so violates International Civil Aviation Regulations. Luggage containing prohibited items, including batteries, will be confiscated, and the owner handed over to authorities.

The GACL management expressed gratitude to passengers in the departure hall for their cooperation during the evacuation, emphasising that passenger safety remains their top priority. Terminal operations have since resumed smoothly.