held on the terminal pan after a fault on an alarm system.

At around 1 p.m., after a third malfunction on the terminal's fire alarm system, officials decided to clear the buildings and call the Fire Service.

Airport operations manager Jack Gordon said between 150 and 200 people had to leave the buildings -- which included staff and passengers who were due to board an USAir plane -- while a safety check was carried out.

Also, a USAir aircraft that had just landed and was approaching the terminal had to be held outside for 50 minutes. Fortunately Continental and Air Canada flights had boarded just before the emergency and were able to get away. Mr.

Gordon said the alarm had gone off twice, at 12.30 p.m. and 12.45 p.m., before the evacuation was made.

Finally at 1.50 p.m., after a full check had been made of the building to ensure there was no fire, people were allowed back in and passengers proceeded to board the USAir aircraft.