Authorities have shut down Gatwick Airport North Terminal, following a police-led operation following reports of an ongoing incident related to a fire alarm.
Members of the public inside the terminal took to social media, sharing accounts of the fire alarm sounding. Air Traffic Control (ATC) have currently restricted movements for the north terminal, which is now disrupting regular airport services.
Credit: Hardikk08
Based on latest updates, all passengers within the North Terminal will need to undergo a re-screening process, as part of the comprehensive safety measures put in place. This development is expected to cause significant delays for passengers and flights.
Passengers have apparently been made to disembark to also undergo re-screening.
At this moment, the nature of the incident, and potential impact on airport operations remain unclear. Authorities have yet to release official statements, and situation is actively evolving.
Sussex Police and Gatwick Airport have been approached for comment –
Are you an effected passenger or do you have any info about this incident. If so email Editor@sussex.news to share your story.
Update 22:23: Easy Jet – EJU8091 scheduled to depart at 21:45 Palma Mallorca has reportedly now been cancelled.
Update 22:23: A Gatwick spokesperson told Sussex News: “London Gatwick’s North Terminal was evacuated for a short time this evening, due to a fire alarm being activated in one of our restaurants, which was quickly contained. A small number of passengers that had not been security screened re-entered the terminal via a fire door into the departure lounge as part of the evacuation process. As always security is our number one priority. To ensure the safety and security of all passengers, everyone within the departure lounge, as well as a small number who had boarded flights, had to be rescreened. London Gatwick apologises to passengers for any inconvenience. Passengers should contact their airline for further information. The airport will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure this does not happen again.”
