Key facts
- Hamburg Airport's passenger terminal was evacuated on Friday due to a security incident.
- The incident involved an airborne irritant, believed to be pepper spray, entering the air conditioning system.
- Authorities stated the event was not being treated as a terrorist attack.
- Sixty-eight individuals received medical attention, and nine were hospitalized.
- Air traffic was suspended for over an hour, impacting approximately 13 flights.
Hamburg Airport experienced an evacuation on Friday due to a security incident involving an airborne irritant, believed to be pepper spray, that circulated through the airport's air conditioning system. The incident, which occurred around 0945 am local time, is not being treated as a terrorist attack, according to authorities. A man pressed an emergency button, gaining unauthorized access to the security area, and is believed to have simply lost his way. Approximately 1,500 passengers were affected, with 68 receiving medical attention and nine requiring hospitalization. Air traffic was halted for over an hour, impacting up to 13 flights, with some being diverted. Operations resumed after the airport reopened, though significant delays and cancellations were expected throughout the day.