Hamburg Airport in Germany was briefly evacuated earlier today as over 68 people experienced breathing difficulties after an irritant gas was released into the air.

Both terminals were cleared and flights halted after people complained of eye irritation and breathing problems.

Some 14 flights, a total of six arrivals and eight departures, were cancelled and several flights diverted.

A statement from the airport confirmed: “Around 130 emergency services personnel from the fire service and the German Red Cross provided assistance to some 68 people.

“According to police and fire service reports, an irritant gas had been released into the air and this is assumed to have been the cause of breathing difficulties.

“The cause is still being investigated, and the airport is cooperating closely with the responsible authorities.

“The terminals and the Airport Plaza had to be evacuated for around one hour.

“Operations were suspended at the central security checkpoint whilst the cause was determined.”