11 Cairo Airport Employees Detained After Blackout Results in Flight Delays

Prosecutor General Nabil Sadek ordered the detainment of 11 Cairo Airport employees Sunday after a blackout stunted operations last week, leaving 12 local and international flights delayed, according to state owned newspaper Al-Ahram.

An investigation is currently pending over multiple electrical maintenance personnel in the airport, reported Al-Masry Al-Youm.

Minister Sherif Fathy established a committee to investigate Friday’s blackout prior to the hearing, which will see gross negligence charges brought to trial, according to an Aviation Ministry statement.

The committee has already penalized airport employees by implementing a five-day deduction from their salary, say sources in the ministry.

Investigation

The National Security Agency and Administrative Control Authority was asked to begin an investigation into the events leading to the blackout, which revealed a lack of routine maintenance. This allegedly resulted in a generator failure in Terminal 3 followed by the blackout itself.

The Public Prosecution’s office questioned 11 staff members who were responsible for maintaining the electrical grid inside the airport, as well as the lead technician, who works as an envoy on behalf of a private firm.

The suspects are being charged with intentional damage to both public funds and the utility of a civic institution, in addition to causing harm to a workplace.

Members of Egypt’s House of Representatives condemned the incident.

According to MP Mohamed al-Masood, the airport failure directly affects the nation’s touristic image and tarnishes potential gains needed to foster growth within the ailing industry.

MP Anisa Hassouna also spoke of possible effects the blackout may have on national security and believes that the incident is a case of rampant mismanagement that may lead to devastating outcomes.