Heathrow terminal 'safe to reopen' after evacuation

Heathrow Airport has said Terminal 4 is safe to reopen after it had been evacuated earlier today while firefighters responded to a "possible hazardous materials incident".

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said around 20 people had been assessed at the scene by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service, in a statement on its website.

London's Heathrow is the UK's busiest airport.

In a post on X, the airport said: "Emergency services have confirmed Terminal 4 is safe to reopen and we are doing everything we can to ensure all flights to depart as planned today.

"We are very sorry for the disruption caused, the safety and security of our passengers and colleagues is our number one priority.

"We encourage passengers to check with their airline for the latest information about their flight this evening and our colleagues will be on hand into the night to assist."

In a post on X, LFB said: "The Brigade is in the process of standing down its response to the incident at #HeathrowAirport.

"The exact cause remains under investigation at this time."

Earlier today, the airport had advised passengers not to travel to Terminal 4 as emergency services responded to the incident.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson had said: "Firefighters are responding to a possible hazardous materials incident at Heathrow Airport.

"Specialist crews have been deployed to carry out an assessment of the scene, and Terminal 4 has been evacuated as a precaution while firefighters respond.

"The brigade was first called about the incident at 1701, and crews from Feltham, Heathrow, Wembley and surrounding fire stations have been sent to the scene."

On X, National Rail Enquiries said trains had been unable to call at Heathrow Terminal 4 because of the incident.