Gatwick Airport’s North Terminal was temporarily evacuated this morning due to a fire alarm activation, bringing the bustling hub of holiday travel to a standstill. West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) attended the incident, with firefighters seen entering the terminal donning breathing apparatus (BA).
Thousands of travellers were temporarily evacuated from the terminal during the incident.
A Gatwick spokesman responded to the disruption on social media, stating: “The Departure Lounge was evacuated for a short time due to a fire alarm activation, announcements were being made and all marked fire exits were open.”
In his statement, he went on to underline the airport’s commitment to security and the wellbeing of passengers. “Safety and security are our number one priorities.”
WSFRS confirmed their presence at the terminal, although the exact nature of the incident remains under investigation. The prompt response of the firefighters, fully equipped with breathing apparatus.
The evacuation caused a slight delay in flight departures and airport operations, but Gatwick authorities worked to minimise the impact on travellers. By mid-morning, the airport resumed its operations, welcoming holidaymakers back into the terminal and proceeding with flight schedules.
The airport has since reopened fully and flights continue to take off from both the North and South terminals.
