Tower at FLL briefly evacuated after air traffic controllers smell fumes

12 departing flights delayed as result

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The tower at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport was briefly evacuated Thursday morning after air traffic controllers reported smelling fumes and seeing a puff of smoke, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Firefighters determined that the smoke was caused by a problem with the air conditioner.

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Air traffic controllers were allowed to return to the tower about 7 a.m.

The FAA Terminal Radar Approach Control in Miami, which provides radar service for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, handled flights safely until air traffic controllers returned to the tower.

Airport spokesman Allen Siegel said 12 departing flights were delayed as a result of the incident.

The FAA said technicians are working to repair the air conditioner.