London City Airport is closed today following the discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb in King George V Dock on Sunday. All flights in and out of London City are cancelled for Monday, and an exclusion zone is in place for the immediate area.
London City Airport CEO Robert Sinclair reports that the bomb was discovered as part of clearance work for the planned expansion of the airport. After the bomb was discovered, the airport notified the Royal Navy, who was able to confirm that it was an unexploded bomb from WWII. On the recommendation of London’s Metropolitan Police, the airport was evacuated and a cordon established around the immediate area.
“We are very sorry for the impact this has had on passengers,” said Sinclair. “But we do feel that for the safety of people’s lives it was the right thing to do.”
If all goes as planned, Sinclair said, the removal of the bomb should take place throughout this afternoon through early evening, with the airport to reopen as normal tomorrow, Tuesday, at around 6:30 a.m. local time.
London City Airport has compiled a list of useful phone numbers and websites here.
Travel Waivers
British Airways reports that it will rebook customers with cancelled flights at no extra charge (subject to availability). Customers who no longer wish to travel can cancel their booking and get a refund, including taxes, to the original form of payment.
Delta has issued a travel waiver for customers scheduled to fly today. Rebooked travel must begin no later than February 19, with the new ticket to be reissued on or before February 14.
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