Tulsa airport tower remains closed following foul fumes

(Information in the following story is from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com)

TULSA, Okla. (AP) – The Federal Aviation Administration has opened a temporary control tower at Tulsa International Airport following two evacuations at its air traffic control tower due to noxious fumes.

Airport spokeswoman Alexis Higgins tells the Tulsa World the temporary tower will likely been in operation throughout the weekend. She said an air quality test by a contractor found the main tower to be safe but that the FAA has ordered its own examination.

The tower was partially evacuated Wednesday during a retiling project. No injuries were reported and no flights were diverted.

Higgins says the airport is only operating one runway and has directed pilots to communicate on the radio until the tower fully reopens.

FAA spokesman Lynn Lunsford says there are also concerns about asbestos contamination inside the tower.