Planes grounded as Sydney Airport's traffic control tower evacuated: Airservices Australia

SYDNEY -- All aircraft in and out of Sydney Airport were grounded on Friday, according to the Airservices Australia.

"The Sydney Air Traffic Control Tower has been evacuated after smoke was detected," the company posted to social media platform Twitter shortly after noon.

"There is a full ground stop in place with no aircraft departing or arriving at this time."

While the airport is still processing arrivals, "albeit a slower rate," the Airservices Australia said, adding There is "nil departures at this time."

At this stage, there is no available information about what started the fire but emergency services are in the place.