18 October 2023 , 09:57
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Swathes of passengers are being evacuated from airports across France after alleged bomb threats, sparking delays and cancellations for millions.
At least six airports are believed to be affected, including Toulouse, Lille, Nice, Nantes, Paris-Beauvais and Lyon. It comes at a time of heightened security in the country, which raised its terror level last week after a suspected Islamist extremist stabbed a teacher to death and injured three others.
In a tweet posted at 11.20am local time (10.20am BST), Lille Airport said it was "being evacuated following a bomb threat". It added: "State security services are on site." Meanwhile a passenger around a 9-hour drive away, at Toulouse Airport, tweeted a video of people slowing moving along in a long queue.
They wrote: "Toulouse airport evacuated but what is happening?" Another passenger, at Nantes Airport, said it was being evacuated "due to suspicious package", adding: "Authorities don’t seem to have a plan as we are standing out in the rain and wind."
Two terminals at Paris-Beauvais Airport were also evacuated, according to local media site Courrier Picard, after a bomb threat was sent "by email to staff".
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The country has deployed extra security in the wake of last week's stabbing incident. On Monday, the school where the stabbing took place was evacuated over a bomb alert, which appeared to be a false alarm.
Yesterday, the Palace of Versailles - one of the country's most visited tourist attractions - was evacuated over a security scare for the second time in four days. The former royal palace's account on Twitter said: "For security reasons, the Palace of Versailles is evacuating visitors and closing its doors today Tuesday October 17.
"Thank you for your understanding." The palace as well as the Louvre Museum in Paris were also evacuated of visitors and staff on Saturday after receiving bomb threats.
French President Emmanuel Macron also held a special security meeting with the prime minister, other key government members as well as top military and counter-terrorism officials over feared terror threats. He had initially planned to attend a summit on the Western Balkans in Tirana, Albania.
Speaking at the end of the meeting, interior minister Gerald Darmanin said that 102 people have been arrested in relation with antisemitic acts or inciting terrorism since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7 that led French authorities to reinforce security measures especially around Jewish sites.
Mr Darmanin also said there are currently 193 foreigners considered "dangerous" by French intelligence services who will be sent back to their countries of origin as part of security measures. Education minister Gabriel Attal said 168 bomb threats in French schools have been reported since the beginning of September.
"This is inadmissible and unacceptable," he said. The French government heightened the national threat alert and ordered up to 7,000 soldiers to be deployed by Monday night and until further notice to bolster security and vigilance around France.