Sussex Police have confirmed that Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal has been declared safe following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item on Thursday morning. The incident prompted an evacuation, flight delays, and significant disruption for passengers.
Officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team swiftly responded, making the package safe and allowing the terminal to reopen later in the afternoon. The North Terminal remained unaffected during the security operation.
Security Incident Disrupts Gatwick South Terminal
The South Terminal was evacuated at 10:55 GMT after a security concern was raised regarding luggage containing a suspected prohibited item. Police cars, search dogs, and the EOD team were deployed “as a precaution.” Flights to and from the airport were disrupted, and rail services to Gatwick were temporarily suspended, leaving many travelers stranded.
Passengers described long waits outside in freezing temperatures, with thermal blankets provided to those waiting for hours. Several flights were delayed or canceled, and airport authorities urged passengers to monitor updates from their airlines.
After several hours, the terminal was cleared for reopening, with passengers cheering upon receiving the news. However, disruptions persisted into the evening as the airport worked to return to normal operations.
Increased Police Presence as Airport Resumes Operations
Two individuals were detained during the investigation but were later released and allowed to continue their journeys. Sussex Police emphasized that public safety remained their top priority throughout the operation. A heightened police presence will remain at Gatwick to assist passengers as travel resumes.
“We thank the public, staff, and all airport users for their patience during this incident,” Sussex Police stated.
Passengers are advised to continue checking directly with airlines regarding flight schedules as residual delays are expected.
Key Takeaways for Passengers
- The South Terminal was evacuated due to a suspected prohibited item.
- The North Terminal was unaffected, and flights resumed in the afternoon.
- Significant delays and cancellations affected travel plans.
- Rail services to Gatwick were temporarily suspended but have since resumed.
While the immediate threat has passed, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in ensuring public safety.
