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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/mar/29/sydney-airport-flights-grounded-air-traffic-control-tower-evacuated

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Sydney airport flights resume after air traffic control tower evacuation causes delays Sydney airport flights resume after air traffic control tower evacuation causes delays
(32 minutes later)
The air traffic control tower at Sydney airport was evacuated on Friday morning after smoke was detected, triggering an emergency response and causing major disruption at the international hub.The air traffic control tower at Sydney airport was evacuated on Friday morning after smoke was detected, triggering an emergency response and causing major disruption at the international hub.
Air Services Australia confirmed around noon that a full ground-stop had been put in place following the detection of smoke, preventing planes from departing or landing.Air Services Australia confirmed around noon that a full ground-stop had been put in place following the detection of smoke, preventing planes from departing or landing.
Radar images showed aircraft circling the area and being diverted away from the Mascot airport.Radar images showed aircraft circling the area and being diverted away from the Mascot airport.
“The firefighters are in attendance,” a spokeswoman said.“The firefighters are in attendance,” a spokeswoman said.
At 12.37pm, ASA confirmed firefighters had cleared staff to return to the tower and said they expected it to be operational within 10 minutes. ASA confirmed around 1.30pm that air traffic control was operating as normal, but warned the impact could continue throughout the afternoon and passengers should check with their airlines about any ongoing delays.
The incident caused widespread delays, with airlines including Qantas and Virgin Australia advising passengers to go online to check their flight status this afternoon.
Former Greens senator Scott Ludlam was among affected passengers tweeting about their experiences on Friday as the problems unfolded. “Flight crew just announced the Sydney air traffic control tower has been evacuated,” he wrote from his inbound flight.Former Greens senator Scott Ludlam was among affected passengers tweeting about their experiences on Friday as the problems unfolded. “Flight crew just announced the Sydney air traffic control tower has been evacuated,” he wrote from his inbound flight.
Others said they were stuck on the tarmac.Others said they were stuck on the tarmac.
When you’re on the tarmac @SydneyAirport about to take off for holidays and the pilot announces a fire in the control tower, everyone’s been evacuated and airport in lockdown #FMD #badvarianceWhen you’re on the tarmac @SydneyAirport about to take off for holidays and the pilot announces a fire in the control tower, everyone’s been evacuated and airport in lockdown #FMD #badvariance
just chilling in a plane on the tarmac at sydney airport until air traffic control tower gets un-evacuated. @virginaustralia which cupboard is the wine in https://t.co/8vVscakTlwjust chilling in a plane on the tarmac at sydney airport until air traffic control tower gets un-evacuated. @virginaustralia which cupboard is the wine in https://t.co/8vVscakTlw
The ASA said any reports that the airport was in “lockdown” during the tower evacuation were incorrect.The ASA said any reports that the airport was in “lockdown” during the tower evacuation were incorrect.
SydneySydney
Air transportAir transport
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