Gatwick Airport latest: Terminal evacuated and passengers told to stay away due to security incident
Large part of Gatwick Airport’s south terminal evacuated as incident investigated with fears of flight disruption
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Your support makes all the difference.A large part of a Gatwick Airport terminal has been evacuated as a security incident is being investigated.
Passengers have been warned to stay away after a section of the South Terminal was evacuated on Friday morning.
There are fears flights will consequently be disrupted, causing travel chaos.
In a statement, the 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.”
Police been seen arriving at Gatwick Airport
Police have been seen arriving at Gatwick Airport.
A passenger reported officers arriving at the scene at 11.53am.
Police reveal bomb squad called in after suspected prohibited item found in luggage at Gatwick
Police have revealed that a bomb squad has been called in after a “suspected prohibited item” was discovered in luggage at Gatwick Airport, causing the evacuation of a large part of the South Terminal.
In a statement issued on Friday morning, Sussex Police said: “Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20am on Friday (22 November) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with.
“As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport.
“This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible.”
Captain of plane waiting at Gatwick Airport ‘tells passengers incident is over suspicious package'
The captain of a plane waiting at Gatwick Airport has told passengers the incident is over a suspicious package, according to media reports.
One of the passengers on a plane waiting on the tarmac was interviewed by LBC and said to the broadcaster that this is what they were told.
As many as 316 flights scheduled to depart Gatwick Airport today, reports analytics firm
As many as 316 flights are scheduled to depart Gatwick Airport today, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium – equating to over 60,650 seats.
A further 318 flights are scheduled to arrive into Gatwick Airport today – equating to over 61,400 seats.
Watch: Huge crowds gather outside Gatwick South Terminal after ‘security incident’
Huge crowds gather outside Gatwick South Terminal after ‘security incident’
Gatwick Airport's South Terminal was evacuated on Friday, 22 November, while a "security incident" was investigated. Footage showed crowds gathering outside the building while they were unable to enter the terminal as investigations were carried out. There are fears flights will consequently be disrupted, causing travel chaos. On Friday morning, Gatwick officials said they were working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. “Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing," a statement read.
Flights delayed as passengers ‘warned to stay away from departure lounge'
A passenger has said their flight has been delayed this morning as they were warned to not return to the departure loung but stay near the gates.
They posted on X: Flight is delayed further and being told not to go back to departure lounge but stay near the gates….no estimated time of departure yet. Still boarding to gate area so fingers crossed Gatwick Airport.”
Gallons of water reportedly delivered to waiting passengers while information on incident still scarce
Gallons of water are reporteldy being delivered to passengers waiting at Gatwick Airport after being evacuated, with information on the security incident still scarce.
One passenger wrote on X this morning: “Incredibly impressed with Gatwick Airport and their team… safely evacuated everyone from the terminal and now bringing gallons of water around for everyone.. top job!”
Analysis from The Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder
Gatwick’s South Terminal is used by dozens of airlines, notably British Airways, Ryanair, Aegean Airlines, Wizz Air, Air Malta and a number of Chinese airlines. Some easyJet flights operate from the South Terminal, but most use the North.
Simon Calder, travel correspondent of The Independent, knows Gatwick well. He comments: “While information from the airport is still sketchy, what I infer from the statement so far is that there is concern about an item found during the security search area.
“This was clearly deemed sufficiently serious for the entire check-in area, as well as the railway station, to be cleared.
“Passengers who are already ‘airside’ are likely to be able to remain there.
“Arrivals are, I understand, being bussed to North Terminal which is still operational. But there will be large queues building up; there is a limited amount of space.
“Meanwhile thousands of passengers hoping to fly away will be enduring a frustrating time, wondering whether they will make their flight – or whether it might be cancelled.”
Train services at Gatwick Airport station suspended
Train services at Gatwick Airport’s station have also been suspended.
Train passenger information website National Rail Enquiries said: "The police are dealing with an incident at Gatwick airport.
"The station and airport are currently being evacuated.
"Services are able to run through the station and area but will not call at Gatwick airport at this time.
"Please avoid travelling to the station whilst this incident is ongoing.
"This is expected to continue until approximately 2pm."
Thousands of passengers reportedly all over surrounding streets and carparks waiting
Thousands of evacuated passengers are reportedly sprawled out all over the streets and carparks surrounding Gatwick Airport waiting.
A passenger wrote on X: “Arrived at London Gatwick for routine connection.
“Got through customs to find out they're evacuating the entire airport. Even people through security are being taken outside. Trains shut down and thousands all over the streets and carparks waiting.”
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