SANTO DOMINGO- A fire in the power distribution networks of the Electricity Distribution Company Edeeste at the Las Américas International Airport (AILA) caused a 28-minute blackout yesterday afternoon and delays in the departure of at least six commercial flights arriving and departing from and to other countries.
According to the reports provided, several units of the airport fire department participated in extinguishing the fire.
Regarding the fire that caused the power outage, from 2:35 pm to 3:03 pm, it was linked to damage to overhead cables outside the airport terminal, according to sources consulted by the newspaper Listín Diario.
The incident, which is being investigated by state security agencies and the National Police, caused a blackout in the services offered by the company Aeropuertos Dominicanos XXI (Aerodom) to airlines and other airport users.
The small fire was immediately extinguished by the airport's fire units and the activated airport emergency service.
As soon as the situation outside the terminal was resolved, power was restored using the emergency generator system, and since then the terminal has been powered, operating systems are functioning, and flights are proceeding without incident.
AILA will continue operating with its emergency power generator system until the problem, caused by the overhead cables outside the terminal and preventing it from being supplied from the public grid, is resolved.
Aerodom spokesman Luis López said that all activities at the airport are currently proceeding normally and scheduled flights are taking place without incident.
The situation created delays in flight departures and inconveniences for passengers departing and returning on commercial flights through Las Américas airport.
