Flights to and from Geneva Airport were disrupted on Friday after a major fire broke out just beyond the perimeter fence, a spokesperson for Switzerland’s second-busiest airport told AFP.

Black smoke could be seen spewing into the sky from the site.

“There is a building – the new reception centre for asylum-seekers – which was under construction… it is on fire. It is outside the airport perimeter,” said airport spokesman Ignace Jeannerat.

“It is creating a lot of smoke,” he added.

The airport has suspended landings for the time being, while take-offs are being left to pilots’ discretion, he explained.

The airport arrivals board showed incoming flights from Lisbon, Barcelona and Madrid had been diverted, whilst others were delayed.

Geneva is Switzerland’s second-busiest airport after Zurich. The runway is next to the border with France.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred

In times of uncertainty you need journalism you can trust. For 14 free days, you can have access to a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism, top opinions and a range of features. Journalism strengthens democracy. Invest in the future today. Thereafter you will be billed R75 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won’t be billed.