London City Airport evacuated as dozens become ill in 'chemical incident'

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Dozens of people were taken ill after a suspected "chemical incident" at London City Airport, which was evacuated with no flights able to take off or land.

About 500 passengers and staff were ordered to leave the terminal after an alarm just after 4pm on Friday.

London Ambulance said it treated 26 people at the airport and two were taken to hospital, according to Sky News.

David Morris was at the check-in desk for his BA flight to Edinburgh when he began coughing.

"We were queuing up and we were just about to check our bags in, and I was talking and started to cough to the point I was not able to keep talking," the 28-year-old told the Press Association.

"It was getting quite bad and we saw other people starting to cough at the same time. The people behind the desk were coughing the most and quite aggressively.

"Within two minutes, they shouted for everyone to get out."

Mr Morris said BA staff behind the check-in desk jumped over to escape, calling the situation "quite scary".

He said that whatever was causing people to cough did not smell or have any colour to it.

"Everyone was shouting and rushing towards the door," he added.

Once outside, he said those who had been coughing, between 15 and 20 people, were sectioned off and checked over by paramedics.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman 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.

"Around 500 members of the public and staff have been evacuated and there are reports of a number of passengers feeling unwell."

Later emergency services said no "elevated readings" were found in the terminal building, which was ventilated and searched.

The incident was "declared safe" by the brigade at around 7pm.

More than 30 British Airways flights to and from London City airport were cancelled, and others heavily delayed, as a result of the evacuation of the terminal.

The closure of the airport came at the worst possible time for the airlines and their passengers: a busy Friday afternoon, when planes are normally heavily booked. Alternative flights from Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted have few seats available.

BA told passengers: “London City airport has been evacuated this afternoon and our flights will experience some disruption as a result.

“We are awaiting for more information from the fire service, police and the airport authorities at London City and are keeping the situation under review.

“If your flight is still operating please allow plenty of time to travel to the airport as transport to and from the terminal is heavily congested.”

Because the delays and cancellations are due to “extraordinary circumstances”, passengers are not entitled to cash compensation.

But airlines are responsible for providing meals and, if necessary, accommodation, until disrupted passengers reach their destinations.

The Press Association contributed to this report.