Pilot accidentally triggers airport security alarm

Dutch police patrol at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters
Dutch police patrol at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters
A "suspicious" incident on a plane that forced the evacuation of its passengers and crew at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport proved to be a false alarm, the airline said.

Spanish-owned Air Europa said in a statement that a pilot had accidentally triggered an alarm on Wednesday night, causing a major security lockdown at one of Europe's busiest airports.

"In a plane (set to fly) from Amsterdam to Madrid tonight an alarm was accidentally activated which set off safety protocols at the airport," it said.

Passengers waiting in Schipol Airport during the security alert. Photo: Mark Crompton via Reuters
Passengers waiting in Schipol Airport during the security alert. Photo: Mark Crompton via Reuters

"There was no cause for alarm, all passengers were fine and waiting for the flight to take off.

"We are sorry, there was no cause for alarm."

Dutch military police had earlier reported a "suspicious situation" aboard the airliner and launched an investigation.