Operations stopped at London Heathrow after reported fire alarm at control tower
Heathrow is responding to an emergency, the airport has confirmed. It is understood that the air traffic control tower has been evacuated, flights are being diverted and planes preparing to take off have been grounded.
A spokeswoman for London Heathrow Airport (LHR) confirmed that they have responded to an emergency. "We apologise for any inconvenience that this has caused," a spokeswoman said. "Emergency services responded using our regular safety procedures, and our operations have started to resume."
It is understood that the air traffic control tower was evacuated, flights were diverted and planes preparing to take off have been grounded.
Hi John, we are aware of a fire alarm activation on the airfield and emergency services are responding, more information to follow.
— Heathrow Airport (@HeathrowAirport) July 18, 2018
Twitter was sent into overdrive, with users questioning the cause of the hold up. The airport was quick to respond to queries, quelling traveller’s fears with speedy updates on the evacuation.
I'm in a plane that just landed at #Heathrow but isn't allowed to move. We've been told ATC staff have moved to a back up location and that they should be operational again in about 20 minutes.
— Linda Covill #FBPE (@linda_covill) July 18, 2018
Why is my plane being diverted to Amsterdam and unable to land at Heathrow BA terminal?? #heathrowairport#britishairways#help
— lianne young CAC, CAT (@HouseofArdent) July 18, 2018
Situation going on at Heathrow right now. No arriving or departing traffic currently. Apparently the tower has been evacuated? #avgeekpic.twitter.com/T0MaoLUzq1
— Train&PlaneHub (@Train_PlaneHub) July 18, 2018
Like this story? Share it with a friend!