Passengers facing delays after the incident. AFP photo
SINGAPORE: Hundreds of passengers were evacuated from Singapore’s Changi Airport after a small fire erupted in a terminal that was quickly extinguished, authorities and witnesses said, delaying flights at the global hub.
Smoke swept through the airport’s Terminal 2 building after a fire broke out in the departure hall, spurring authorities to seal off the area. There were no reports of injuries.
“A small fire occurred at the departure hall of Changi Airport Terminal 2. The fire has been extinguished by SCDF (Singapore Civil Defence Force),” the Singapore Police said in a statement.
Police said the fire alarm was activated at around 5:40pm (0940 GMT) as smoke poured from air vents, sparking an evacuation order and closure of the terminal.
Passengers on flights departing from the terminal on Tuesday evening “should expect significant delays,” airport management said.
Singapore Airlines added that all its departing and arriving flights at Terminal 2 will be delayed.
“We are working closely with the airport authority and various agencies to ensure flights can be resumed in the shortest time possible,” the carrier said in a statement.
An AFP reporter at the airport said the scene was generally calm as the departure and arrival halls were evacuated. Airport staff were also seen leaving but there was no panic. – AFP