Tobago Correspondent
Smoke emanating from the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower at the ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago caused delays to at least two domestic flights yesterday, after staff at the facility were evacuated and the airport’s fire-suppression systems were activated.
According to a source, the incident occurred around 1.25 pm, resulting in staff at the facility being immediately evacuated.
An Airports Authority media release confirmed that the fire alarm was triggered, resulting in the deployment of the fire-suppression systems. Fire services responded to investigate the cause of the alarm.
The authority did not reveal what triggered the alarm, but said normal operations resumed at 3.40 pm.
It added that all established procedures were followed in accordance with health and safety and fire-prevention protocols.
The incident affected flights between Trinidad and Tobago, with passengers at Piarco International Airport initially left frustrated after being informed that the airspace in Tobago was temporarily closed.
Passengers scheduled to depart on Caribbean Airlines (CAL) flight BW1520 at 1.50 pm were among those affected. Flight BW1526, which was scheduled to depart at 4.10 pm, was also delayed.
Guardian Media spoke to Timothy Teemal, a passenger on BW1526, who praised CAL for its handling of the emergency. He described staff at Piarco as courteous and informative throughout the ordeal.
Teemal said he was told through unofficial channels that antennas at the tower were sparking and the building had to be cleared.
“It was handled very professionally. In Trinidad, every 20 minutes they were making announcements. They kept us abreast. When they were able to find out what’s the problem, they were able to inform us,” he said.
Teemal said the majority of passengers appreciated the gravity of the situation and CAL’s approach.
“Tempers weren’t flaring or anything like that. People understood that safety was much more important than anything else.
“It was a delay, but it was a generally good experience despite that. We understood that without a flight tower it would not be safe to fly.”
A source at CAL told Guardian Media there was an issue at the tower a couple of weeks ago, but it was rectified without major disruption.
The Air Traffic Control tower is responsible for managing aircraft approaching and landing at the airport.
