Geneva Airport main terminal evacuated at 4:40 over a strong solvent smell

The main terminal of Geneva Airport was evacuated around 4:40 on Saturday 31 October 2026, according to 20 minutes. The paper puts the number of people at about 2,500.

What caused it?

According to 20 minutes, four people said they were affected by strong odours early that morning. The airport linked the smell to overnight floor-covering work, including the laying of a resin. The Tribune de Genève also speaks of a strong smell of solvent.

How did it end?

20 minutes reports that the airport fire service, reinforced by Geneva firefighters, carried out the evacuation. People were let back in from about 5:30, staff first, then passengers. After air measurements, all danger was ruled out, the paper says. No injuries are reported. The first flight left at 6:26, about 20 minutes late. The Tribune de Genève reports that flights resumed around 6:30.

Airport spokesperson Ignace Jeannerat told 20 minutes: "C'est la première fois en six ans que je vois une évacuation de cette ampleur pour un tel problème."

What we do not know

The reports we read do not say who ordered the evacuation, and we have no information on police involvement. We found no statement from the airport itself.

This article reflects reports as of 31 October 2026.