05 Nov 2023 | 03:29 AM UTC
Germany: Police continue to respond to security incident at Hamburg Airport as of early early Nov. 5 /update 2
Police continue to respond to security incident at Hamburg Airport, Germany, as of early early Nov. 5. Flights suspended.
Police are continuing to respond to a security incident at Hamburg Airport (HAM) as of early Nov. 5. Official sources stated that an armed individual breached the airport's security perimeter in a vehicle late the previous day and drove onto the tarmac while allegedly holding a child hostage. Authorities reported that the incident is tied to a domestic dispute over the child's custody and not related to terrorism. Hamburg Police and federal security forces have deployed a large security presence at the scene, and negotiations with the suspect are ongoing. Authorities have evacuated the airport as a precaution. There have been no reports of casualties.
HAM officials have suspended all incoming and departing flights since late Nov. 4; they stated that flights would remain suspended indefinitely until the situation is over. Police have cordoned off the airport; localized ground transport disruptions are likely. Lingering flight disruptions will probably extend for several hours after regular operations resume as carriers move to reposition aircraft and clear passenger backlogs.
Avoid the scene of the incident until authorities secure the area and give the all-clear. Contact airlines to confirm the status of specific flights if traveling via HAM through at least Nov. 5. Consider making alternative arrangements for time-sensitive travel if necessary.
