Flights grounded, Sydney Airport control tower evacuated after fire

About 20 people needed to be evacuated from the air traffic control tower at Sydney Airport.

The tourism industry wants the government to invest in making it easier for tourists to arrive and depart the country. Source: AAP

Staff have returned to the air traffic control tower at Sydney Airport, after evacuating when smoke was detected before midday on Friday.

Air Services Australia are now processing arrivals, after temporarily grounding all flights operating in and out of Sydney Airport while authorities responded to the incident.

Fire and Rescue NSW said 20 people were evacuated from the building.

A spokesman said the incident was only "minor in nature".

Former Greens Senator Scott Ludlam tweeted his concern before midday.

“That sounds... not good," he said.

A number of passengers who were scheduled to fly out took to social media to say they were stuck on the tarmac because of the suspected fire.