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Police step up security at Geneva airport after tip-off

UPDATE: Police are gradually withdrawing security measures put in place on Wednesday morning after an unspecified threat against the building.

Published: 27 July 2016 11:18 CEST
Updated: 27 July 2016 14:32 CEST
Police step up security at Geneva airport after tip-off
File photo: eGuide Travel

A large security operation began at Geneva airport on Wednesday after an unspecified threat was received against the building.

According to Le Tribune de Genève, police were present in large numbers at Cointrin airport from the early hours of Wednesday morning and were carrying out identity checks on passengers.

Writing on its Facebook page, Geneva cantonal police said: “Following information we have received, currently being verified, and in the context of increased security, preventative security checks are currently underway at Geneva airport for an indefinite duration”.

“Passengers are kindly asked to allow additional time for check-in,” police added.

Sources told news agency Reuters that the Swiss were acting on information from French police who received an anonymous tip-off about a bomb threat at the airport

The information is being taken extremely seriously, said the Tribune, particularly in light of recent attacks in Nice and Germany.

Access to the airport was limited and vehicles arriving at departures were security checked, leading to queues forming outside the airport, witnesses told the paper.

A notice on Geneva airport’s website said: “The police has decided to strengthen preventive security controls at Genève Aéroport.

“These controls are slowing down the access to the infrastructures, particularly by road.

“The airport authorities advise travellers to take all arrangements to arrive at the airport at least two hours before the departure of their flight.”

Shortly before 2pm police said they were lifting the extra security measures and that the situation would return to normal, meaning “an increased police presence in the airport due to the international situation” but no additional measures.

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