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Gatwick airport evacuates terminal after suspected prohibited item found Gatwick airport reopens terminal after bomb scare evacuation
(about 3 hours later)
Security cordon in place and train services suspended while explosive ordnance disposal team investigate Security cordon lifted and train services resume, though travel plans still disrupted for thousands of people
Bomb disposal experts have been deployed to Gatwick airport after a suspected prohibited item was found in the luggage area at the southern terminal where passengers have been evacuated. Gatwick’s southern terminal reopened for passengers on Friday afternoon after a security alert that caused widespread disruption was cleared by police.
Sussex police said officers were called to the southern terminal at 8.20am on Friday when the suspect luggage was discovered. Thousands of people were evacuated from the building as bomb disposal experts responded to reports of a suspected prohibited item in the luggage area.
The force has imposed a security cordon around the terminal to ensure public safety. An explosive ordnance disposal team has been deployed to the airport, as a precaution, it said. By mid-afternoon, Gatwick airport said the security alert had been resolved and a security cordon around the terminal was lifted.
Passengers have been warned to expect significant disruption and the public have been urged to avoid the area. In a statement, Sussex police said: “This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the south terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible.” In a statement, the airport said: “The earlier security alert has now been resolved and cleared by police. The south terminal is reopening to staff and will be open to passengers shortly.
“Trains will also start calling at Gatwick airport once the terminal is fully reopened. We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while this situation was resolved. Safety and security is always our top priority.”
It added: “There are some delays and cancellations, passengers should contact their airline for any updates on flights.”
The incident disrupted weekend travel plans for thousands of passenger. Sussex police were called to the southern terminal at 8.20am on Friday when the suspect luggage was discovered.
The force imposed a security cordon around the terminal to ensure public safety. An explosive ordnance disposal team was deployed to the airport, as a precaution, it said.
Passengers were warned to expect significant disruption and the public were urged to avoid the area.
Deborah Cohen, a former BBC journalist, shared video of passengers being ushered to lower floors of the airport. Another video posted on X by Cohen showed passengers being given foil blankets to keep warm.Deborah Cohen, a former BBC journalist, shared video of passengers being ushered to lower floors of the airport. Another video posted on X by Cohen showed passengers being given foil blankets to keep warm.
Staff wearing National Inter-Agency Liaison Officer (Nilo) bibs were videoed at the scene. Such officers work with police, fire and rescue services, and other agencies, to support critical incidents.Staff wearing National Inter-Agency Liaison Officer (Nilo) bibs were videoed at the scene. Such officers work with police, fire and rescue services, and other agencies, to support critical incidents.
The aviation analytics website Cirium said 316 flights were scheduled to depart from the airport on Friday, with a total of more than 60,600 seats. A further 318 flights were scheduled to arrive, with more than 61,400 seats.The aviation analytics website Cirium said 316 flights were scheduled to depart from the airport on Friday, with a total of more than 60,600 seats. A further 318 flights were scheduled to arrive, with more than 61,400 seats.
A spokesperson for the UK’s second busiest airport said: “A large part of the south terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident. Passengers will not be able to enter the south terminal while this is ongoing. Train services at the station were also been suspended.
“Safety and security of our passengers and staff remains our top priority. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train services at the station had also been suspended.
The train passenger information website National Rail Enquiries said: “The police are dealing with an incident at Gatwick airport. The station and airport are currently being evacuated.The train passenger information website National Rail Enquiries said: “The police are dealing with an incident at Gatwick airport. The station and airport are currently being evacuated.
“Services are able to run through the station and area but will not call at Gatwick airport at this time. Please avoid travelling to the station whilst this incident is ongoing. This is expected to continue until approximately 2pm.”“Services are able to run through the station and area but will not call at Gatwick airport at this time. Please avoid travelling to the station whilst this incident is ongoing. This is expected to continue until approximately 2pm.”