A dramatic fireball erupted at Sydney Airport's international terminal, sending hundreds of passengers and staff scrambling for safety as flames and thick black smoke engulfed part of the building.
Chaotic Scenes as Flames Take Hold
Emergency services rushed to the scene around 3:15pm local time on Tuesday after reports of a significant fire in the terminal's roof space. Terrified travellers described chaotic scenes as the blaze rapidly spread, with some initially fearing a terrorist attack before the true nature of the emergency became clear.
Witnesses reported seeing a massive fireball and hearing explosions as the fire took hold in the ceiling area above the check-in counters. Thick, acrid smoke quickly filled the terminal, triggering fire alarms and emergency protocols that led to the immediate evacuation of hundreds of people.
Emergency Response and Passenger Accounts
Fire and Rescue NSW confirmed they dispatched multiple crews to tackle the blaze, with at least ten fire trucks visible at the scene. The fire originated in mechanical plant equipment on the roof, according to official statements, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
One passenger, waiting to check in for a flight to Singapore, described the terrifying moment the fire began. "We heard this loud bang and then saw flames shooting across the ceiling," they reported. "People started screaming and running - it was absolute chaos for a few minutes until staff got everyone moving toward the exits."
Another traveller captured video footage showing orange flames visible through terminal windows as dense black smoke billowed into the sky above the airport. Social media quickly filled with images and videos of the dramatic incident, showing emergency services working to contain the blaze while evacuated passengers watched from safe distances.
Travel Disruption and Ongoing Impact
The fire caused significant disruption to airport operations, with check-in facilities affected and some flights delayed or cancelled. Airport authorities established contingency plans to minimise disruption, but warned passengers to expect ongoing delays throughout the evening.
No serious injuries have been reported, though several people received treatment for smoke inhalation and minor injuries sustained during the evacuation. Paramedics set up a triage area to assess those affected, with NSW Ambulance confirming they treated multiple patients at the scene.
An airport spokesperson stated that safety protocols worked as intended, with the terminal evacuated efficiently and emergency services responding within minutes. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust emergency planning at major transport hubs, with Sydney Airport's procedures ultimately preventing what could have been a tragedy.
Investigations into the exact cause of the fire continue, with airport authorities working to restore normal operations as quickly as possible while ensuring passenger safety remains the top priority.
