Jersey Airport could re-open “within a couple of hours” as emergency services continue to investigate a “non-credible” threat which caused this morning’s evacuation.
It is understood that the decision to evacuate was made at 6.30am in the wake of the threat made, although details have not been shared, but also that following an initial investigation the situation was considered to be low-risk.
Armed police and other emergency services took passengers and staff out of the airport buildings and later evacuated the entire grounds.
Airport director Ashley Maggs said that around 200 people had been evacuated, but that he was hopeful the airport would re-open by the end of the morning.
Mr Maggs said: “We received information and we had to investigate [its] credibility.
“It is deemed as non-credible but obviously we have to take very precaution. We’ve got the expertise on Island. We’ve got the people here that are helping support us.”
The investigation has included the screening of luggage, with some bags being taken off aircraft in order to be re-screened.
Mr Maggs added: “We are taking this very seriously – I appreciate there’s frustration, but security is very important and we are absolutely committed to providing a safe environment for our passengers.”
One eye-witness said that the incident had appeared to be a fire alarm at first, with passengers moved to the car park, but this area was then cleared as the entire airport grounds were evacuated.
“We were told it was a serious incident and that it could be a few hours before it was open again,” she said. Another eye-witness said the airport was in “full lockdown”.
Those passengers who were evacuated were told to return home or led to the nearby Strive sports centre.
