(CNN) Fears of a hijacking at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol briefly brought one of Europe's busiest airports to a standstill on Wednesday -- before it emerged that an alarm had been activated by mistake.

The Dutch Royal Military Police and other emergency services flocked to the scene, as rumors of a possible hostage situation spread.

The authorities said they were investigating a situation on a plane. Eyewitnesses reported that parts of the airport had been closed off and shared images of crowds and confusion.

Mark Crompton shared a photo from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport of large crowds and confusion amid the suspicious situation at the airport.

But within an hour, the frenzy had faded, as police announced that all passengers and crew were safely off the plane, an Air Europa aircraft bound for Madrid.

The airline later said a security protocol had been activated by mistake.

#AirEuropaInfo False Alarm. In the flight Amsterdam - Madrid, this afternoon was activated, by mistake, a warning that triggers protocols on hijackings at the airport. Nothing has happened, all passengers are safe and sound waiting to fly soon. We deeply apologize. — Air Europa (@AirEuropa) November 6, 2019

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