‘Chemical incident’ shuts down London City airport

Hundreds of passengers and staff were evacuated from London City airport on Friday following a “chemical incident” that left some travelers feeling “unwell,” the fire service said.

“Three fire engines and a range of specialist appliances have been called to reports of a chemical incident at London City Airport this afternoon,” the London Fire Brigade said in a statement.

“Around 500 members of the public and staff have been evacuated and there are reports of a number of passengers feeling unwell,” it said.

London City Airport’s official Twitter account said it had been evacuated “due to fire alarm.”

No flights were allowed to take off or land.

Several incoming flights from destinations such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Paris had been diverted to other airports.