Brisbane Airport: Passengers evacuated, flights delayed after aircon smoke triggered fire alarm
Flights have been delayed after passengers were evacuated from a major Australian airport.
Just after 8am, all passengers on level 4 of the Brisbane Airport terminal were ordered to leave, causing delays for some departing international flights and traffic congestion around the precinct.
A spokesperson for Brisbane Airport said the evacuation was precautionary and sparked when testing of an air conditioning unit’s heating element created a small amount of smoke, activating the fire alarm.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Passengers have now returned to the terminal, and processing is being prioritised based on flight schedules,” the spokesperson said.
“Brisbane Airport apologises for delays as a result of this morning’s evacuation.
“Incoming international flights have continued, and there is no impact to operations at the Domestic Terminal.”
A spokesperson for Queensland Fire Department said crews had attended the airport but there was not fire, just smoke in the air-conditioning unit.
One person took to social media to post that staff appeared “confused” during the evacuation and that no one knows “where the exit is”.
“Apparently the people on level 2 are in arrivals. so they just got off the plane and are trapped by border force. the vibe i get from the announcements is that they’re freaking out down there.”
