News | Sunday, 29 March 2009

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Deodorant fluke sends alarms ringing at MIA

A ‘rogue’ anti-perspirant yesterday sent alarms ringing at the Malta International Airport after loaders stacking luggage into a Ryanair aircraft alerted MIA security.
A leaking deodorant was the source of much apprehension when MIA security brought on fire engines to contain what was initially suspected to be smoke emitting from a traveller’s suitcase.
Witnesses at MIA told MaltaToday the sight of fire engines rushing to the scene was rather disconcerting, as many feared the worst.
The Ryanair flight was destined for Luton but had to be grounded for 28 minutes at 8:45pm before fire officers certified the plane to be free of any problems.
In fact, the suspicious smoke was just the deodorant letting off its spray under pressure.
When the bag was singled out, a liquid was seen seeping from the suitcase. The suitcase’s owner was then called to inspect the bag.
“As soon as we were informed of the possibility of smoke coming out of a suitcase, we took all maximum security precautions,” an MIA spokesperson said.
“We cannot take any risks. In this case, loaders were quick to spot what was initially believed to be smoke but which, funnily enough, turned out to be a deodorant letting off its spray.”

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