A harrowing hostage situation at Hamburg Airport came to a conclusion on Sunday afternoon, nearly 18 hours after it began. Authorities said that the suspect, who had driven his vehicle through the airport's gates with his 4-year-old daughter inside, was apprehended, and the child appeared unharmed, news agency Associated Press reported. Hamburg police informed that "the hostage situation is over. The suspect has left the car with his daughter... The child appears to be unharmed."


Additionally, they reported that the man was taken into custody by emergency services without resistance, AP reported.


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The ordeal had gripped the airport, located in northern Germany, since Saturday night when the armed man forcibly breached an airport gate with his vehicle and discharged his weapon twice into the air. The airport was promptly closed to passengers, and all flights were canceled. The man parked his vehicle just outside a terminal building, positioning it beneath an airplane.


Authorities disclosed that the man's wife had previously contacted the police regarding a child abduction. The 35-year-old man, reportedly involved in a custody battle, had taken his daughter by force from her mother, AP's report mentioned.


Throughout the lengthy standoff, a psychologist engaged in negotiations with the man, ensuring a peaceful resolution. No injuries were reported as all passengers had been safely evacuated from the airport.


The mother of the abducted girl arrived at the airport earlier on Sunday.


Police spokeswoman Sandra Levgruen stated that officers were meticulously examining the suspect to determine whether any explosive devices were in his possession or inside the car. She said, "We are currently assuming that he is unharmed, but he is still lying on the ground in the care of the police", as quoted by AP.


The tense standoff resulted in the cancellation of more than 100 flights, with several planes being rerouted. Thousands of travelers found their plans disrupted by the incident, and hundreds were accommodated in nearby hotels.


By Sunday afternoon, authorities announced that preparations were underway for the swift resumption of flight operations, allowing the airport to return to normalcy following the distressing episode.


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