Linate airport in Milan has been closed this morning, following an accident, believed to be serious, involving an SAS MacDonnell Douglas MD87 aircraft operating SK686 from Milan to Copenhagen.

British Airways` passengers, scheduled to depart on flight BA561, from Linate to Heathrow, are being transferred to British Airways` services from Malpensa airport, which is operating normally.

This afternoon`s BA568 to Linate, due to leave Heathrow at 3.30pm, has been cancelled.

A decision on tonight`s service to Linate will be made later today.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused to our customers.

SAS has activated an emergency telephone number for anyone worried about friends or relatives.

The number for UK callers is 0845 6040173. For international callers the number is or 00 44 208 28 39666.

SAS has also opened emergency lines in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland.

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