London City Airport was shut down on Sunday after a World War II bomb was discovered in the nearby Thames River, CNN reports.
The unexploded 500 kilogram bomb (approximately 1,100 pounds) was spotted by construction workers working at the King George V Dock in the London Borough of Newham “as part of planned development works,” the airport said in a statement.
Once notified of the bomb’s discovery, the Royal Navy implemented a 214-meter exclusion zone, forcing the airport to close. The navy’s dive teams were deployed to the scene to survey and remove the bomb.
According to Metropolitan Police, the exclusion zone was put in place to "ensure that the ordnance can be safely dealt with whilst limiting any risk to the public."
Met Police issued a statement Monday afternoon that the bomb had successfully been removed “and taken to a second location within the dock.”
“Residents displaced by the initial operation today can now return to their homes,” the statement reads.
London City Airport will remain closed on Monday, the airport said in a statement, as passengers are encouraged to get in touch with their airlines to secure flights at alternative airports.
“London City Airport is an international airport located in the Newham Borough of East London. The area was heavily industrial and highly populated during WWII. The Royal Docks, where the runways are now located, was a main entry point on the Thames River for goods and commerce,” CNN reports.
“The airport, which is much smaller than London's Heathrow Airport, caters to business travelers heading to destinations in the UK, Europe and the United States.”
(Cover Photo: Twitter / Global News Toronto)
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