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London City Airport – the 14th busiest in the United Kingdom, according to Civil Aviation Authority – was shuttered after a World War II-era bomb was found on the premises.
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Metro police reported that the airport was closed at 10:00 p.m. London time to facilitate the removal of the bomb by police and navy officials. "At around 10 pm on Sunday an operational decision was made with the Royal Navy to implement a 214-meter exclusion zone to ensure that the ordinance can be safely dealt with whilst limiting any risk to the public,” a representative shared.
The authorities added that the process could extend into Tuesday.
"Overnight, officers have been helping to evacuate properties within the exclusion zone and police are working with the local authority to provide residents with temporary emergency accommodation and the appropriate support,” the statement explained.
Airport chief executive Robert Sinclair said that “All flights in and out of London City on Monday are canceled and an exclusion zone is in place in the immediate area.”
Following the discovery of a World War Two ordnance in King George V Dock as part of planned development works, a 214m exclusion zone has been implemented as a precaution by the Met Police. As a result, London City Airport is currently closed. (1/3)
— London City Airport (@LondonCityAir) February 11, 2018
All passengers due to travel from London City on Monday are advised to contact their airline for further information. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport until further notice.(2/3)
— London City Airport (@LondonCityAir) February 11, 2018
I recognise this is causing inconvenience for our passengers, and in particular some of our local residents. The airport is cooperating fully with the Met Police and Royal Navy and working hard to safely remove the device and resolve the situation as quickly as possible.” (3/3)
— London City Airport (@LondonCityAir) February 12, 2018
The bomb was identified as a German 500-kilogram device.
Several flights were grounded and tens of thousands of would-be travelers were inconvenienced as a result of the unexploded device being discovered.
An airport spokesperson disclosed that about 16,000 passengers were affected.
Last year, an Allied bomb was founded in the German financial center leading to the evacuation of 60,000 people.
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