A significant portion of Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal was evacuated on Friday morning following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in a piece of luggage.
The incident, which began at 10:55 GMT, has caused widespread disruption to passengers and services.
Airport officials confirmed the evacuation, stating that safety and security remain their top priorities.
A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport said, “We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while investigations are ongoing.”
Sussex Police have established a security cordon around the South Terminal. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team has been deployed as a precautionary measure.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff, and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place,” a police spokesperson explained.
The police have urged the public to avoid the area due to road closures and significant disruption. Local routes, including those around the terminal, remain heavily congested, with National Highways reporting delays from junction 9 of the M23 motorway.
Travellers have described chaotic scenes at the terminal. Laurence Kemball-Cook, who was set to fly to Portugal, recounted the moment staff ordered an urgent evacuation.
“We were sitting there waiting for a slightly delayed flight, and suddenly a staff member rushed over shouting, ‘You’ve got to evacuate right now.’ I had to grab my partner and baby and sprint out,” he said.
Kemball-Cook added, “Now we’re waiting with no guarantees. The plane is visible, but the airport seems entirely shut down, and no one is providing clear information.”
The disruption has also impacted transport services. National Rail Enquiries confirmed that trains are not stopping at Gatwick Airport station until approximately 14:00 GMT.
A spokesperson for Southern Rail advised passengers to avoid travelling to the airport, with Thameslink, Southern, and Gatwick Express services all affected.
London Victoria railway station echoed the warning, with announcements and screens advising passengers not to head towards Gatwick. Local bus services have been suspended, adding to the transport difficulties.
Despite the evacuation, flights are still landing at Gatwick. However, passengers arriving at the South Terminal are being transported by bus to the North Terminal for processing.
Travel journalist Simon Calder estimated that around 100,000 passengers were due to pass through Gatwick today, with half using the affected terminal.
“Passengers are disembarking flights at the South Terminal but are being bused to the North Terminal instead,” Calder explained. “This will inevitably lead to significant crowding and delays, as people cannot access the station from the North Terminal either.”
The North Terminal remains unaffected, but the full impact of the incident is yet to be determined.
Gatwick Airport and Sussex Police continue to investigate, with officials working to minimise disruption.
Passengers are advised to check with their airlines and transport providers for updates before heading to the airport.
