‘Tin can’ partially closes Gran Canaria airport

The National Police activated the ’emergency protocol’ at the Gran Canaria Airport this morning at 09:00 (Monday, 22nd August 2011) when their attention was drawn to a suspect ‘tin can tied with rope to a fence’ outside the check-in area of EU departures zone. This forced them to bring in the TEDAX force (technical experts in explosives disposal) from the capital of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, who proceeded to evacuate and cordon off the area for inspection. Having analysed the suspect can, which turned out to be an energy drink, they proceeded to confirm that it did not contain any explosives. The alarm was called off at approximately 10:30. It is unknown how many flights this may have delayed or cancelled. Local comments are suggesting that it was no more than a ‘make-shift’ ashtray tied to a barrier outside the departures area.