United Kingdom: London City Airport reopens February 13 /update 2

Event

The London City Airport (LCY) has reopened on the morning of Tuesday, February 13 (local time), after an unexploded World War II bomb was found in the River Thames at the George V dock (E16) on Sunday, February 11. The Royal Navy successfully removed the bomb from the area overnight from Monday, February 12, to Tuesday, February 13; as of Tuesday morning, the bomb is still being towed down the River Thames from London to off the coast of Essex, where it will be safely detonated. Related disruptions have since ended in the area, and people living within the 214-meter (700-foot) exclusion zone (which has now been lifted) in Newham borough have been cleared to return home. However, nearby roads and bridges are expected to close as the bomb transits down the River Thames for disposal, according to the London Metropolitan Police Force.

Related residual flight disruptions (including delays and cancelations) are possible at LCY in the coming hours.

Context

The World War II-era bomb was found early on the morning of February 11 during scheduled work at LCY. The airport was closed from February 11 until the morning of February 13. London Metropolitan Police Force implemented a 214-meter (700-foot) exclusion zone around the bomb from 22:00 on February 11 and cordoned off adjacent roads on February 12.

Up to 16,000 passengers were affected by flight disruptions at LCY on February 12 during the closure. According to the British Ministry of Defence, British military forces remove about 60 German air-dropped World War II bombs per year.

Advice

Individuals in London are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. Individuals planning on flying from, to, or through LCY in the coming hours are advised to confirm flight reservations and contact their airline for more information.