Passengers evacuated as gas leaks into air conditioning
Passengers at the major airport have been asked to leave the building immediately, as emergency services have raced to the scene.
Cardiff Airport was evacuated today after fire services raced to an "exploding" air conditioning unit.
Passengers confirmed on social media they had been asked to leave the building.
Essential building maintenance is currently ongoing at the airport, used by Ryanair, TUI Airways and KLM among other companies. Flights due to depart from the airport today were to Belfast, Bridgetown in Barbados and Paris.
South Wales Fire and Rescue said crews were called around 9.30am to assist with an "exploding" air conditioning unit.
A spokesperson added: "At approximately 9.27am on Thursday March 21, crews from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service were called to Cardiff International Airport to assist with an air conditioning unit exploding.
"Incident involved a build-up of high pressure from an air conditioning pipe which left to releasing refrigerant gas. Airport was evacuated and reopened shortly after 11:00am."
A spokesperson for the airport said: "Unfortunately, we have experienced a safety related incident related to gas in the air conditioning in the building works area within the terminal.
"Safety and security is our number one priority, so the landside area was evacuated whilst our team carried out safety checks. We did experience minor delays to flights, but the terminal is now back open. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."
South Wales Police have said: “We are aware of an incident at the airport, but it did not require South Wales Police attendance."
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Planes still able to land at airport
WalesOnline reports an incident is understood to have happened on the first floor. Upgrade work is being carried out at the airport.
Planes are still able to land as a flight from Belfast has just arrived at the airport at 11am.
South Wales Police statement
South Wales Police have said: “We are aware of an incident at the airport, but it did not require South Wales Police attendance."
Airport spokesperson says incident related to 'gas in air conditioning'
A spokesperson for the airport said: "Unfortunately, we have experienced a safety related incident related to gas in the air conditioning in the building works area within the terminal.
"Safety and security is our number one priority, so the landside area was evacuated whilst our team carried out safety checks.
"We did experience minor delays to flights, but the terminal is now back open. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."
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The Express.co.uk team will be bringing you live updates after reports of a 'gas leak', with passengers being evacuated sparking travel chaos.