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Gatwick airport reopens terminal after bomb scare evacuation Gatwick airport reopens terminal after bomb scare evacuation
(about 1 hour later)
Security cordon lifted and train services resume, though travel plans still disrupted for thousands of people Security cordon lifted and train services resume, though thousands of people have had their travel plans disrupted
Gatwick’s southern terminal reopened for passengers on Friday afternoon after a security alert that caused widespread disruption was cleared by police. Gatwick’s southern terminal reopened for passengers on Friday afternoon after a security alert that caused disruption to thousands of people.
Thousands of people were evacuated from the building as bomb disposal experts responded to reports of a suspected prohibited item in the luggage area. Travellers were unable to check in for more than four hours after the terminal building was evacuated on Friday morning as bomb disposal experts responded to reports of a suspected prohibited item in the luggage area.
By mid-afternoon, Gatwick airport said the security alert had been resolved and a security cordon around the terminal was lifted.By mid-afternoon, Gatwick airport said the security alert had been resolved and a security cordon around the terminal was lifted.
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. The scare caused frustration and alarm to evacuated passengers, many of whom were handed foil blankets as temperatures hovered barely above freezing.
Brian Torres, 22, who was visiting from New York in the US, was in the terminal preparing to go through security checks when he was ordered to evacuate.
He said: “I just want to get back home to talk to my mom. It’s scary. They’re not informing us about anything.”
Denice Sealy, who was travelling to Malta for her birthday, was also queueing at security when was told to turn back.
“When we got outside we didn’t know where to go because there were no staff there,” she said. “With regards to passengers and communication, it’s been absolute chaos.” She added: “In the end, a load of us ended up walking from the south terminal to the north terminal, and it was freezing.”
The airport thanked passengers for “their patience and understanding”.
In a statement it 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.”“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.”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. 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.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.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.
Train services at the station were also been suspended. Train services at Gatwick station were suspended for several hours.
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. Patricia Lima, 36, from Brazil, who was due to fly to the US following a holiday in the UK, was among passengers at London Victoria struggling to reach the airport. She said she was “disappointed” and “tired”, adding: “I don’t feel well when we don’t have much information.”
“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.”