Airport attacked for holding realistic fire drill on 9/11 anniversary

Officials at Boston's Logan International Airport have apologised for holding an emergency fire training drill yesterday, on the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre.

The drill, complete with heavy black smoke and roaring flames, appeared to involve a plane on fire, reports CBS News.

Hundreds of people have criticised the airport on its Facebook pageafter it held the drill.

They said the move was "insensitive", stupid and thoughtless", particularly as two of the four aircraft hijacked on September 11 2001 had originated at Boston Logan International Airport.

"That is ridiculous. Have some respect. People died 12 years ago on flights originating from your airport. How dare you," one person wrote.

In a statement, Massachusetts Port Authority apologised and said it understands that it may have offended many of those touched by the events of September 11.

"Safety and security is our top priority and constant vigilance and readiness is critical, but the exercise should not have taken place on the anniversary of 9/11," it said.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick told the Boston Globe the decision to hold the drill was "just dumb".