A fire alarm startled travellers at Durban's King Shaka International Airport on Monday.
Many were in the dark as they boarded their flights late after an airport announcement instructed them to evacuate. Minutes later they were told to go back into the building.
On Tuesday, the airport said the fire alarm was not part of any planned drill or fire.
“It was due to a double activation of smoke sensors in an unoccupied and locked area within the terminal building. The activation was in line with the system design for detection of fire in the specific zone. The design is in line with the fire protection design protocols,” said Airports Company South Africa regional GM Nkosinathi Myataza.
The airport is upgrading its fire detection system which is nearing the end of its expected operating lifespan.
“The process to appoint a service provider to install a new system is under way after the initial tender came back non-responsive. We express sincere apologies to passengers and visitors for the inconvenience and unnecessary concern this might have given rise to.
“We urge passengers to observe emergency protocols while visiting our facilities.”
• In an earlier version of this story the airport said the alarm was activated on two days, but it has since clarified it was only activated on Monday.
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