At Geneva Airport, a large fire breaks out after a structure near the runway ‘explodes.’

A large fire broke out close beyond the perimeter fence, disrupting flights to and from Geneva Airport.

Images appear to show the aftermath of a blast at Switzerland’s second-busiest airport, with black smoke billowing into the sky.

‘A facility that was under construction – the new asylum-seeker reception centre – has caught fire. It’s outside the airport’s perimeter,’ said Ignace Jeannerat, a spokesman for the airport.

‘There’s a lot of smoke coming out of it,’ he continued.

Landings have been suspended for the time being, while take-offs are left to the discretion of the pilots, he explained.

Incoming planes from Lisbon, Barcelona, and Madrid were diverted, while others were delayed, according to the airport arrivals board.

After Zurich, Geneva is Switzerland’s second busiest airport. The runway is located near the French border.