OPERATIONS at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston were yesterday afternoon suspended for about 18 minutes when a fire alarm went off, forcing the evacuation of dozens of passengers from the terminal building.

"There was no fire. The alarm was set off about 1:44 after an employee pulled the switch," Mark Williams, the airport's public relations manager told the Observer.

"Whether or not he did so by accident, I don't know. But security personnel are currently reviewing tapes from the security cameras," Williams said.

The incident resulted in two flights being delayed, added the airport spokesman.

"Caribbean Airlines should have departed at 1:55 but it departed at 2:19; also American Airlines was delayed on its arrival; it arrived at 1:55 but passengers were allowed to disembarked at 2:30," he said.

A woman, who was among passengers who were asked to evacuate the terminal building, said she was frightened when she saw a crowd rushing towards her.

"I don't even know what was happening. I just see everybody rushing out and I decided that I wasn't going to stay," recounted the passenger, laughing after speaking to our reporter.

An elderly female passenger, who arrived after the incident, said she was happy her transportation to the airport was delayed as she would not be able to handle the excitement.

Transport Minister Mike Henry, meanwhile, has ordered that a preliminary report into the incident be presented to him by today.

Late last year, passengers had to evacuate the said building after smoke billowed from a ventilation system.

According to Williams, that incident started when sparks and smoke from welding work being conducted on the roof entered the building