Gatwick Airport Evacuated After Suspicious Item Found in Luggage, Causing Major Travel Disruptions
Gatwick Airport, the UK’s second-busiest travel hub, has been thrown into chaos following the discovery of a suspicious item in luggage at its South Terminal early this morning. The police responded promptly, evacuating part of the airport and creating significant delays to flights, trains, and road transport.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 8:20 AM local time, triggered a major security response, including the deployment of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team. The airport was partially evacuated while authorities set up a security cordon to ensure public safety.
Flight Delays and Cancellations
As a result of the evacuation and ongoing investigation, almost all flights departing from Gatwick’s South Terminal have been delayed by at least one hour, with some facing delays of up to five hours. Several arriving flights are also affected, with passengers experiencing wait times of four hours or more.
In a particularly frustrating turn for passengers, some flights that have already boarded are reportedly sitting on the tarmac for extended periods, waiting for clearance to take off. This disruption has led to widespread complaints on social media, where travelers have shared their experiences of sitting on planes for upwards of an hour with no clear update on departure times.
Cancellations and Impact on European Flights
Spanish airline Vueling has been forced to cancel multiple flights to and from Gatwick. Two flights from Barcelona and one from Seville were turned around mid-flight and returned to their origin points, and corresponding outbound flights to Spain have also been grounded. Passengers on these flights are advised to contact their airline for updates regarding rebooking or potential refunds.
Disruptions to Transport
The incident has also caused severe disruptions to train and road transport to and from the airport. Gatwick’s train station has been temporarily closed, and the British rail network operator has advised travelers to seek alternative routes. Social media posts show severe congestion around the airport, with cars backed up for miles.
Passenger Advice
Gatwick Airport is advising passengers to check the status of their flights with their airline before heading to the airport. Travelers are encouraged to monitor updates through airline websites, mobile apps, and social media channels. For those who have already arrived, the situation remains fluid, and the airport is working to resolve the incident as quickly as possible.
The Ongoing Investigation
While the situation remains under control, Sussex Police have yet to confirm the nature of the “suspected prohibited item” found in the luggage. Authorities have assured the public that all necessary precautions are being taken. The EOD team’s investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
The event highlights the ongoing challenges airports face in balancing security with the smooth flow of travel, particularly during peak travel periods. Passengers are advised to remain patient and to stay updated on the latest information.
For the latest updates on the situation at Gatwick, please visit the airport’s official website.
Gatwick Airport, the UK’s second-busiest travel hub, has been thrown into chaos following the discovery of a suspicious item in luggage at its South Terminal early this morning. The police responded promptly, evacuating part of the airport and creating significant delays to flights, trains, and road transport.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 8:20 AM local time, triggered a major security response, including the deployment of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team. The airport was partially evacuated while authorities set up a security cordon to ensure public safety.
Flight Delays and Cancellations
As a result of the evacuation and ongoing investigation, almost all flights departing from Gatwick’s South Terminal have been delayed by at least one hour, with some facing delays of up to five hours. Several arriving flights are also affected, with passengers experiencing wait times of four hours or more.
In a particularly frustrating turn for passengers, some flights that have already boarded are reportedly sitting on the tarmac for extended periods, waiting for clearance to take off. This disruption has led to widespread complaints on social media, where travelers have shared their experiences of sitting on planes for upwards of an hour with no clear update on departure times.
Cancellations and Impact on European Flights
Spanish airline Vueling has been forced to cancel multiple flights to and from Gatwick. Two flights from Barcelona and one from Seville were turned around mid-flight and returned to their origin points, and corresponding outbound flights to Spain have also been grounded. Passengers on these flights are advised to contact their airline for updates regarding rebooking or potential refunds.
Disruptions to Transport
The incident has also caused severe disruptions to train and road transport to and from the airport. Gatwick’s train station has been temporarily closed, and the British rail network operator has advised travelers to seek alternative routes. Social media posts show severe congestion around the airport, with cars backed up for miles.
Passenger Advice
Gatwick Airport is advising passengers to check the status of their flights with their airline before heading to the airport. Travelers are encouraged to monitor updates through airline websites, mobile apps, and social media channels. For those who have already arrived, the situation remains fluid, and the airport is working to resolve the incident as quickly as possible.
The Ongoing Investigation
While the situation remains under control, Sussex Police have yet to confirm the nature of the “suspected prohibited item” found in the luggage. Authorities have assured the public that all necessary precautions are being taken. The EOD team’s investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
The event highlights the ongoing challenges airports face in balancing security with the smooth flow of travel, particularly during peak travel periods. Passengers are advised to remain patient and to stay updated on the latest information.
For the latest updates on the situation at Gatwick, please visit the airport’s official website.
