International flights from Nairobi’s fire-damaged airport resumed on Thursday after a massive blaze a day earlier destroyed the main terminal.
The cause of the fire is unknown, but the blaze turned into an inferno in part because of the slow response from firefighters who were inadequately prepared for the emergency. Photos and video show the extent of the damage, which gutted the terminal and destroyed electrical and mechanical systems. The airport is now operating from temporary tents to keep international passengers moving.
The airport in the Kenyan capital is East Africa’s busiest. The fire disrupted air travel across the continent as the airport canceled all international flights on Wednesday. Many inbound flights were diverted to Tanzania and the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa. Officials say it will take many months to construct a new terminal. There were no serious injuries.
View raw footage of the fire from The New York Times here:
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