Holidaymakers have blasted Manchester Airport amid claims they were trapped in a fire escape with no communication during an evacuation this afternoon.
Passengers described hearing an alarm at the airport's terminal one shortly after 1pm today (25 August) before being directed to a emergency exit - where they claim they were stuck for at least half an hour.
The Manchester Evening News understands that a break glass box was accidentally triggered, prompting a small area of the terminal to be evacuated. It's understood normal service has since resumed and no flights were missed, cancelled or delayed.
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But travellers have criticised the airport for a lack of communication, with some saying they were unaware about whether there was a real emergency or threat.
One holidaymaker wrote on twitter: "Currently trapped in a locked fire escape in Manchester Airport after evacuation following an incident. Definitely doesn't feel like the beginning of a survival video.
"Was accidentally sent through to arrivals and now might have to go through security again? Still in a locked fire escape. I mean, imagine if this was a fire?"
Another said: "Chaos and carnage at Manchester Airport, bags getting pulled in X-ray for phones and chargers despite being told to leave in bag. Then departures closed for some alarm/incident. Never a dull day here."
One passenger wrote: "Disgraceful scenes at Manchester Airport terminal one. Alarm sounds to evacuate. Passengers follow the green exit signs to be greeted by a locked fire escape door. Standing now for 30 minutes with absolutely no communication from airport staff. Awful."
Another said: "Manchester Airport T1 been evacuated and not been told anything. Anyone know what's happening."
The M.E.N understands that it's standard airport procedure for doors to be locked and that they would only release if there was a genuine need for passengers to be evacuated.
A spokesperson for Manchester Airport said: "Passengers were temporarily moved out of a small area of Terminal One this afternoon, after an alarm system was accidentally triggered.
"Passengers were moved out of the immediate area for about 20 mins, which is standard procedure when an alarm system is triggered. There was no impact to the operation of the airport and staff were on hand throughout."
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