Gatwick Airport was forced to evacuate its South Terminal as a precaution while police investigated a suspicious item found in luggage.
Authorities were called to the terminal at 8.20am after the discovery of a “suspected prohibited item,” Sussex Police said in a statement.
Two people who were detained in connection with the incident while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys.
Hundreds of passengers were left waiting for hours outside the terminal after the airport was evacuated at around 10.50am, with many complaining about waiting in the freezing cold in the hope of catching their flights.
Around 100,000 passengers were set to fly in and out of the airport on Friday, but many are likely to be missing their flights.
The incident was resolved at around 2.50pm and the airport quickly announced that it was reopening to passengers.
Gatwick posted on X that safety and security was its “top priority” and warned there will be delays and cancellations following the disruption.
✅ The earlier security alert has now been resolved and cleared by police. The South Terminal is reopening to staff and will be open to passengers shortly.
— London Gatwick LGW (@Gatwick_Airport) November 22, 2024
Trains will also start calling at Gatwick Airport once the terminal is fully reopened. We would like to thank everyone for… pic.twitter.com/yNseHHBPmR
The train station serving Gatwick was also closed, but has since reopened. National Rail says “major disruption” is expected to Gatwick train services until around 5pm.
Have you been impacted by the evacuation? Email Jacob.phillips@standard.co.uk
Follow the latest updates below...
Key Points
- Bomb disposal team sent to Gatwick Airport as a precaution
- Flight to Gatwick turned around midair, says passenger
- The Security issue was resolved at around 2.50pm, with Gatwick preparing to reopen
- Two people detained in connection with the incident were later released
Watch: Gatwick chaos leaves passengers stranded
18:59 , Daniel KeanePassengers left 'disappointed' and 'tired' after disruption
18:24Patricia Lima, from Brazil, who was due to fly to the US following a holiday in the UK, was among passengers at London Victoria struggling to reach the airport.
The 36-year-old said she was “disappointed” and “tired”, adding: “I don’t feel well when we don’t have much information.”
Two detained over bomb scare at Gatwick
17:42 , Daniel KeaneTwo people have been detained in connection with an earlier bomb scare at Gatwick Airport, Sussex Police have said.
In a statement, the force said: “Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport.
"Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator.
"Two people who were detained in connection with the incident while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys.
"There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel.
"Safety of the public, staff and other airport users has been our priority throughout the operation, and we thank them for their patience while the incident was ongoing."
Tourists say disruption 'messing with travel plans'
17:19 , Daniel KeaneBrian Torres, 22, who was visiting from New York in the US, was in the terminal preparing to go through security checks when he was ordered to evacuate.
He said: "I was upstairs. We didn't know what was going on.
"They ended up sending all of us out. We walked down the stairs then went to the street and stood there for a while.
"We were going into security but noticed the long line. It's been busy (before) but never that busy."
Mr Torres said the disruption "messes with my travel plans".
He added: "I just want to get back home to talk to my mum. It's scary.
"They're not informing us about anything."
Tourists say disruption 'messing with travel plans'
17:18 , Daniel KeaneBrian Torres, 22, who was visiting from New York in the US, was in the terminal preparing to go through security checks when he was ordered to evacuate.
He said: "I was upstairs. We didn't know what was going on.
"They ended up sending all of us out. We walked down the stairs then went to the street and stood there for a while.
"We were going into security but noticed the long line. It's been busy (before) but never that busy."
Mr Torres said the disruption "messes with my travel plans".
He added: "I just want to get back home to talk to my mum. It's scary.
"They're not informing us about anything."
Passengers describe 'very difficult situation' at airport
16:54 , Daniel KeaneDavid Bouchardau, who was due to fly to Paris at around 1.30pm to return home, said: "I live in the countryside so I don't know how the roads are going to be when I reach France. It's going to be a long day."
He said the airport staff were "trying their best", adding: "There are many, many people. It's a very difficult situation for everybody. You just have to be patient and wait for news."
Train lines reopen with 'major disruption' until 5pm
16:05 , Lydia Chantler-HicksTrain lines have reopened following the incident at Gatwick Airport earlier, but National Rail warns trains may still be delayed by up to 10 minutes or revised.
It says “major disruption” is expected to continue until around 5pm.
Customers hit by uncertainty as Gatwick set to reopen
15:10 , Jacob PhillipsPassengers have been hit with uncertainty as they try and find out if their flights are still running as Gatwick Airport braces to reopen.
Many have been moved to the North Terminal at the airport while others report that they have struggled to speak to their airline to find out if their flight will take off.
X, formerly Twitter, is full of customers asking for help about whether they will be able to travel on Friday.
Others have been trying to return to their vehicles parked at the airport or find transport to get home.
@Ryanair your customer service team just told me my flight at 5.45 from Gatwick to Dublin is now going...
— SBAS (@SBuscemiFanClub) November 22, 2024
Yet the app and website says it's cancelled.
What is happening to the flight?https://t.co/1LfhQlvXgu
@Gatwick_Airport can we get to the long stay car park? Zone D? This is awful organisation not announcing anything and even on here nothing being said.
— Steve (@SteveMarrUK) November 22, 2024
@British_Airways My flight from Gatwick to Alicante LGW has been cancelled as it's part of a BA holiday. Will I be fully reimbursed for the trip?
— Robert Hallam (@Robertfhallam) November 22, 2024
'Some delays and cancellations' to come, says Gatwick Airport
14:55 , Jacob PhillipsIn a further update, Gatwick Airport has said trains will start to run to the airport again once the South Terminal has fully reopened.
A spokesperson said: “The earlier security alert has now been resolved and cleared by police. The South Terminal is reopening to staff and will be open to passengers shortly.
“Trains will also start calling at Gatwick Airport once the terminal is fully reopened. We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while this situation was resolved. Safety and security is always our top priority.
“There are some delays and cancellations, passengers should contact their airline for any updates on flights.”
Security issue resolved says Gatwick
14:49 , Jacob PhillipsThe security issue at Gatwick Airport has been cleared by police, the airport has confirmed.
Gatwick posted on X: “The earlier security alert has now been resolved and cleared by police.
“The South Terminal is reopening to staff and will be open to passengers shortly.
“Trains will also start calling at Gatwick Airport once the terminal is fully reopened.
“We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while this situation was resolved.
“Safety and security is always our top priority. There are some delays and cancellations, passengers should contact their airline for any updates on flights.“
✅ The earlier security alert has now been resolved and cleared by police. The South Terminal is reopening to staff and will be open to passengers shortly.
— London Gatwick LGW (@Gatwick_Airport) November 22, 2024
Trains will also start calling at Gatwick Airport once the terminal is fully reopened. We would like to thank everyone for… pic.twitter.com/yNseHHBPmR
Some passengers warming up inside hotel
14:08 , Lydia Chantler-HicksOne stranded passenger has thanked the Hilton hotel at Gatwick for “letting people warm up and charge phones and stuff while we're stuck because of the evacuation”.
Evacuated passengers given foil blankets to keep warm
13:36 , Lydia Chantler-HicksVideo shared on social media appears to show passengers who have been evacuated from Gatwick Airport being given foil blankets, as they wait in very cold conditions.
The temperature is around 6C outside the West Sussex airport this afternoon, but the Met Office says it feels more like 2C.
— Deborah Cohen (@deb_cohen) November 22, 2024
Trains stopped until 4pm
13:27 , Lydia Chantler-HicksNational Rail is now saying there will be no trains calling at Gatwick Airport until approximately 4pm.
MP urges people to stay away amid 'developing situation'
13:25 , Lydia Chantler-HicksLuke Taylor, Lib Dem MP for Sutton and Cheam, has tweeted urging people to stay away from Gatwick.
“I am concerned by the developing situation at Gatwick Airport,” he wrote on X.
“Trains are suspended and Sussex Police are advising the public to avoid the area where possible.
“Please stay away and comply with instructions.”
Flights diverted following Gatwick incident
13:01 , Jacob PhillipsThe security incident at Gatwick Airport has caused significant disruption to outbound and inbound flights, according to reports.
Spanish airline Vueling has turned flights back towards their original destinations, the Mail Online reports.
Meanwhile, other flights have been pushed back as passengers remain evacuated.
Sussex Police provides update
12:48 , Jacob PhillipsSussex Police has provided a quick update on the situation at Gatwick Airport.
The force has said it is currently leading the response to a security incident supported by Surrey officers.
A post on X added: “As a precaution, a security cordon is in place and some roads around the South Terminal are closed.”
Sussex Police is currently leading the response to a security incident at Gatwick Airport, supported by Surrey officers.
— Surrey Police (@SurreyPolice) November 22, 2024
As a precaution, a security cordon is in place and some roads around the South Terminal are closed.
Follow @Gatwick_Airport & @sussex_police for updates. https://t.co/ULYfH8GFG0
Flight to Gatwick turned around after an hour in the air, says passenger
12:35 , Jacob PhillipsA passenger travelling from Seville to London Gatwick has told the Standard how they were turned around mid-air.
The traveller claimed: “Departed at 1125 local only to be turned back to Seville after an hour in the air.
“No idea what will happen, still sat on plane on the tarmac at Seville.”
No link 'at this time' between Gatwick and US Embassy incidents
12:13 , Jacob PhillipsThe Met Police have told the Standard that it is currently not aware of any links between a controlled explosion carried out at the US Embassy and the situation at Gatwick Airport.
The force previously said it was investigating a suspicious package outside the U.S. Embassy Nine Elms. The police confirmed a controlled explosion was carried out after loud bangs were heard in the area.
You can read more about this separate incident here.
Bomb disposal team heading to Gatwick Airport
11:59 , Jacob PhillipsSussex Police has confirmed to the Standard that a bomb disposal team are heading to Gatwick Airport.
A spokesperson added: 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.
“Please contact Gatwick Airport press office (01293 505000) for further information.”
'Only the police are inside the airport' says passenger
11:58 , Jacob PhillipsA passenger who has been evacuated from Gatwick Airport has told the Standard how tourists have been left stranded at the airport.
Marco Pajo, who is trying to travel to Malta, added: “Suddenly at around 10.30am they evacuated the airport - everybody had to leave the airport.
“They stopped the train going to Gatwick so tourists coming in from other countries like the US and Norway can not take any trains going to central London...
“There is a lot of security here. Even the employees are outside on the streets.
“Only the police are inside the airport. Even the employees don’t know what’s happening.”
Incident expected to continue until around 2pm
11:49 , Jacob PhillipsPassengers have been told to avoid travelling to Gatwick Airport due to the ongoing security incident.
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."
Pictures show scale of Gatwick evacuation
11:47 , Jacob PhillipsNew pictures show the scale of the Gatwick Airport evacuation.
The airport warned that a “large part” of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution due to a security incident.
Passengers stranded at the airport have told the Standard how only police officers are allowed inside the airport and Gatwick staff were also evacuated.
