London City Airport shut down after World War-2 bomb discovered
The London City Airport was shut down after a World War II (WW-II) bomb was discovered in the nearby Thames river. All flights have been cancelled. Passengers have been asked to contact their airlines. The explosive was discovered at the George V Dock during pre-planned work. The Met Police is working with the Royal Navy to remove the bomb.
German forces dropped thousands of bombs on London during 1940-41
The Met said the explosive was discovered sometime around 05:00 GMT on Sunday, and the exclusion zone implemented at 22:00 after thorough confirmation. It was "to ensure the ordnance can be safely dealt with whilst limiting risk to the public," police said in a statement. Thousands of bombs were dropped on London during the "Blitz" by German forces between September 1940 and May 1941.
Cooperating with Met, Navy and London Borough: Airport
"Following the discovery of a WW-II ordnance in King George V Dock as part of planned works, a 214m exclusion zone has been implemented. The airport is cooperating with the Met Police, Royal Navy and London Borough of Newham," the airport said in a statement.
Flights of major airlines to and from London City affected
British Airways, KLM, Flybe, Lufthansa and more, which provide flights to domestic as well as European city destinations, have been affected. British Airways, its largest operator, as well as CityJet and Flybe have cancelled most of the day's departures and arrivals. Roads near the airport as well Docklands Light Railway services between the airport and Woolwich Arsenal have been closed.
