A massive fire shut down Nairobi's Kenyatta International Airport on Wednesday, causing extensive damage and a potentially huge toll on Kenya's tourism and commerce.

The blaze had engulfed the airport's entire international terminal, Ken Mijungu of CNN affiliate NTV reported.
No casualties were reported from the fire, which sent a large plume of thick black smoke into the sky.

The airport will be closed indefinitely, the Interior Ministry tweeted. No flights were departing or arriving, and some flights were being diverted to other airports.

The fire is believed to have started in the immigration zone at about 05:00 (02:00 GMT)

Depending on how long the airport is closed, the blaze could have a serious impact on the flow of tourists into the country and the export of agricultural products.

Nairobi is Kenya's capital and a major travel hub in Africa. Fresh fruits and vegetables are exported from there to Europe by plane many times a week.

(Source: CNN)