Singapore: Airport terminal to reopen hours after rare closure

Hundreds of passengers were evacuated from Singapore’s Changi Airport after a small fire erupted in a terminal that was later extinguished, authorities and witnesses said, delaying flights at the global hub. Smoke swept through the airport’s Terminal 2 building after a fire broke out in the departure hall, spurring authorities to seal off the area. Three people were sent to hospital for smoke inhalation, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said. “A small fire occurred at the departure hall of Changi Airport Terminal 2. The fire has been extinguished by SCDF,” the Singapore Police said. Police said the fire alarm was activated at around 5.40pm local time as smoke poured from air vents, sparking an evacuation order and closure of the terminal. Passengers on flights departing from the terminal on Tuesday evening “should expect significant delays”, airport management said. Singapore Airlines said it was “working closely with the airport authority and various agencies to ensure flights can be resumed in the shortest time possible”. A reporter at the airport said the scene was generally calm as the departure and arrival halls were evacuated. Airport staff were also seen leaving but there was no panic.<br/>