London City Airport has closed this morning after a World War 2 bomb was found nearby.
The bomb was discovered on Sunday evening in the River Thames when planned work at the airport was taking place.
The airport will remain closed all day today and all flights will be cancelled while the Royal Navy and Metropolitan Police work to safely remove the device.
London City Airport CEO Robert Sinclair has issued a statement on the issue.
He said that any passengers expecting to fly to or from the airport today should contact their airline for further information.
STATEMENT from Robert Sinclair, CEO of London City Airport: “The airport remains closed this morning following the discovery of a World War Two ordnance in King George V Dock on Sunday. (1/3)
— London City Airport (@LondonCityAir) February 12, 2018
All flights in and out of London City on Monday are cancelled and an exclusion zone is in place in the immediate area. I urge any passengers due to fly today not to come to the airport and to contact their airline for further information. (2/3)
— London City Airport (@LondonCityAir) February 12, 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 found at 5pm yesterday at George V Dock.
A 214-metre exclusion zone has been set up with properties being evacuated and temporary roadblocks set up.
Metropolitan Police said:
“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.
“We would like to thank everyone affected for their patience and cooperation.”
Airlines including City Jet, Flybe, and British Airways fly in and out on London City Airport every day.
Over 16,000 passengers will be affected by the closure.
