Changi Airport terminal shut down after fire

SINGAPORE: A fire broke out yesterday at Changi Airport here, causing the closure of a terminal and lengthy delays as passengers and flights were moved, officials said.

The airport said smoke began pouring from air vents in Terminal 2 before the terminal was evacuated.

It said it had identified the cause of the fire, but did not give details.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force said firefighters arrived within minutes and put out a small fire. Three people were taken to a hospital for smoke inhalation.

The airport said flights were moved to another terminal.

“We expect significant delays to departing and arriving flights at Changi Airport this evening,” it said.

Police said the fire alarm was activated about 5.40pm as smoke poured from air vents, sparking an evacuation order and closure of the terminal.

A record 58.7 million passengers used the airport’s three terminals last year. A new terminal is to be opened later this year. AP