UPDATE 2-US FAA resuming flights at Atlanta airport after air traffic control evacuated

(Adds more details in paragraphs 3-5) By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, Oct 10 (Reuters) – The Federal Aviation Administration said on Friday it is resuming flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after a fire alarm and reports of a strong natural gas odor forced a ground stop and the temporary evacuation of the air traffic control tower. The issue prompted a halt to flights and some flight diversions. FlightAware, a flight tracking website, said 500 flights had been delayed and nine canceled. At least a half dozen Delta Air Lines flights were diverted, FlightRadar24 said. "Flights in Atlanta are moving again, but this is going to take a long time to clear this evening," FlightRadar24 said. The FAA said the tower was being restaffed after employees were given an all-clear to return. Atlanta, a major hub for Delta, is the busiest U.S. airport by passengers. (Reporting by David Shepardson, Jasper Ward and Bhargav Acharya; Editing by Diane Craft and Tom Hogue)

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