Major European airport evacuated after huge fire breaks out at check in desks

Milan's Malpensa Airport has reportedly been evacuated after a huge fire broke out at check-in desks. Terrifying footage was shared on social media showing the blaze engulf numerous desks at the Italian airport as worried passengers moved away from the flames.

Half of the airport's Terminal 1 has been closed, according to online reports from the Aeroporti Lombardi forum.

Images from outside the airport, which is the largest in Northern Italy, show fire engines and an ambulance responding to the emergency situation, with a long queue of passengers building outside the major transport hub.

Eyewitnesses said the immediate fall-out of the blaze is one of "chaos, delays and probably some cancellations". Others described "unbreathable air in the departures area".

While details of the incident have not been confirmed by airport officials, accounts from the scene allege that a passenger set fire to a check-in desk, before being intercepted by an employee.

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