The EuroAirport, located at the Swiss-French border, has been evacuated for security reasons, hours after a ‘massive, coordinated arson attack’ disrupted France’s rail network
A French airport was evacuated for “safety reasons” earlier today as the country gears up for the Olympics opening ceremony later today.
The Basel Mulhouse airport, also known as EuroAirport, is on the France-Switzerland border. On Facebook, airport officials said: “We regret this inconvenience – it is for the safety of passengers and employees.” Reports indicate the closure of the airport was due to concerns over a bomb alert. The Mirror has approached the EuroAirport via social media to clarify if the alert related to an aircraft or the airport itself.
It comes after high-speed rail services to Paris have been severely disrupted by what officials described as “criminal actions” and sabotage, hours before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Later, airport staff said it had reopened. “The airport has reopened and flight operations are gradually restarting,” an update on the airport website said around 12:42pm local time today. “Passengers are requested to contact their airline for information about their flight.”
The incidents on the rail network, meanwhile, paralysed several high-speed lines linking the French capital to the rest of France and to neighbouring countries, according to transport minister Patrice Vergriete. Speaking on BFM television, he described people fleeing from the scene of fires and the discovery of incendiary devices, adding: “Everything indicates that these are criminal fires.”
Eurostar customers were told to cancel their trips where possible after “co-ordinated” vandalism. The rail operator, which runs international services from London St Pancras, confirmed on Friday several trains to Paris had been cancelled and others were diverted or subject to delays because of the ongoing issues over the Channel.
Eurostar said in a statement: “Due to co-ordinated acts of malice in France, affecting the high-speed line between Paris and Lille, all high-speed trains going to and coming from Paris are being diverted via the classic line today Friday July 26. This extends the journey time by around an hour-and-a-half. Several trains have been cancelled.
“Eurostar’s teams are fully mobilised in stations, in the call centres, and onboard to ensure that all passengers are informed and can reach their destination. We encourage our customers to postpone their trip if possible.”
The majority of Team GB athletes were arriving at the Games via Eurostar. The British Olympic Association confirmed that only two athletes were scheduled to arrive on Friday and had been subject to only minor delays.
