Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Friday, 22nd November 2024, at 15:25hrs|Updated at 19:00hrs
Flights and trains to and from the terminal were cancelled following the discovery.
An airport was forced to evacuate following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage on Friday morning.
The discovery was made this morning at the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, one of the busiest airports in the UK.
Roads around the airport were also cordoned off whilst the Explosives Ordnance Disposal attended the scene.
Thousands of passengers were evacuated from the building with flights and trains to and from the terminal were cancelled.
In a social media post earlier, Sussex Police said:
“A security cordon is in place around the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport following discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Police were called at 8.20am this morning and, as a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed.
To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a cordon has been put in place.
This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We are advising the public to avoid the area where possible.
Please keep an eye on our social media for updates and thank you for your patience while this is ongoing.
Posting on X Gatwick 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.
Safety and security of our passengers and staff remains our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
They later added: “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.
There are some delays and cancellations, passengers should contact their airline for any updates on flights.”
A further update from Sussex Police said:
“We have concluded our investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport.
Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator.
Two people who were detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys.
There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel.
Safety of the public, staff and other airport users has been our priority throughout the operation, and we thank them for their patience while the incident was ongoing.”
G2K INCIDENT WATCH 