Post by andypspotter on Feb 12, 2018 6:33:21 GMT
London City Airport has been closed after a World War Two bomb was found nearby in the River Thames.
An airport spokeswoman said the airport will remain closed all day and all flights have been cancelled.
The bomb was discovered at about 05:00 GMT on Sunday at George V Dock during pre-planned work at the airport in east London, the Met Police said.
The airport was shut at 22:00 and the Met said it was working with the Royal Navy to remove the device.
Passengers have been told not to travel to the airport as the terminal is closed and to contact their airline.
Police said a 214-metre exclusion zone has been set up and properties inside were evacuated during the night, with Newham Council providing temporary emergency accommodation to residents.
"While we endeavour to progress the operation as quickly as possible and minimise disruption, it is important that all of the necessary steps and precautions are taken to ensure it is dealt with safely," the Met said.
"We would like to thank everyone affected for their patience and cooperation."
Airlines using London City Airport include British Airways, Flybe, CityJet, KLM and Lufthansa, with flights to domestic and European city destinations.
The airport was due to handle around 16,000 passengers today.
Police said a number of road cordons were in place and advised motorists to avoid the area.
Docklands Light Railway services between the airport and Woolwich Arsenal have also been suspended.
Last year more than 4.5 million passengers used London City Airport.
A £400m expansion was given the go-ahead by ministers in July 2016, which includes extending the terminal.
Two million more passengers per year will be able to use the airport from 2025, with 30,000 additional flights annually, the airport said.
An airport spokeswoman said the airport will remain closed all day and all flights have been cancelled.
The bomb was discovered at about 05:00 GMT on Sunday at George V Dock during pre-planned work at the airport in east London, the Met Police said.
The airport was shut at 22:00 and the Met said it was working with the Royal Navy to remove the device.
Passengers have been told not to travel to the airport as the terminal is closed and to contact their airline.
Police said a 214-metre exclusion zone has been set up and properties inside were evacuated during the night, with Newham Council providing temporary emergency accommodation to residents.
"While we endeavour to progress the operation as quickly as possible and minimise disruption, it is important that all of the necessary steps and precautions are taken to ensure it is dealt with safely," the Met said.
"We would like to thank everyone affected for their patience and cooperation."
Airlines using London City Airport include British Airways, Flybe, CityJet, KLM and Lufthansa, with flights to domestic and European city destinations.
The airport was due to handle around 16,000 passengers today.
Police said a number of road cordons were in place and advised motorists to avoid the area.
Docklands Light Railway services between the airport and Woolwich Arsenal have also been suspended.
Last year more than 4.5 million passengers used London City Airport.
A £400m expansion was given the go-ahead by ministers in July 2016, which includes extending the terminal.
Two million more passengers per year will be able to use the airport from 2025, with 30,000 additional flights annually, the airport said.