Gatwick Airport’s south terminal has reopened after police called a bomb disposal squad and evacuated passengers to assess a “suspected prohibited item” which was found in luggage.
Passengers were ordered to leave a large part of the south terminal of the UK’s second-busiest airport on Friday morning following the discovery at 8.20am.
The security issue has now been resolved, said an airport spokesperson, who also warned that there were delays and cancellations.
They 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.”
Travellers flying from the south terminal have been unable to check in and are facing long delays as flights are disrupted.
Some passengers wrapped themselves in emergency foil blankets against the cold as they waited outside the building.
Earlier, Sussex Police said: “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.”
Key points
- London Gatwick reopens South Terminal
- Police reveal bomb squad called in after suspected prohibited item found in luggage at Gatwick
- Flight disruption now under way at Gatwick
- Train services at Gatwick Airport station suspended
New Yorker describes Gatwick chaos
20:31 , Athena StavrouBrian 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 mom. It’s scary. They’re not informing us about anything.”
‘It’s been absolute chaos’: Airline passengers disrupted by Gatwick alert
19:40 , Athena StavrouThousands of airline passengers were delayed after Gatwick airport’s south terminal was evacuated because of a security alert.
Travellers were unable to check in for more than four hours due to the incident on Friday.
David 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.”
Two people released from police custody as investigation concluded
19:01 , Athena StavrouPolice 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 while enquiries were ongoing have been allowed to continue their journeys.
Sussex police said: “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.”
Rail disruption ended
18:30 , Athena StavrouDisruptio to rail travel to the airport has now ended, Gatwick Express has said.
After hours of cancellations and severe delays, the operator has said that no further trains are being affected by the incident.
✅ Disruption caused by this incident has now ended. No further trains are being affected by this incident.
— Gatwick Express (@GatwickExpress) November 22, 2024
➡️ You will no longer need to use an alternative route. No further trains will call additionally at Horley and Three Bridges.
No zero-risk flight paths left over Middle East, aviation group warns
18:02 , Athena StavrouA flight operations group has warned that the conflict in the Middle East is presenting serious challenges for pilots navigating the airspace around Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Iran
Passenger aviation has never been safer but “there simply is no ‘risk-zero’ route available” says Ops Group, an international membership organisation for pilots and other aviation staff.
The group has published a blog called Dodging Danger: The Three Routes Through the Middle East.
The writer, Chris Shieff, says: “It no longer seems to be a simple question of ‘is this route safe?’ but instead, of one’s own appetite for known risks.”
The article analyses the three routes that are currently being used by major airlines: south via Egypt and Saudi Arabia, central via Turkey and eastern Iraq, or north over the Caucasus, the Caspian Sea and Turkmenistan.
Read the full story:
No zero-risk flight paths left over Middle East, aviation group warns
Ryanair, WizzAir and British Airways lead cancellations
16:44 , Holly EvansRyanair has cancelled a trifecta of flights to and from Dublin, Cork and Shannon.
Wizz Air is now grounding more flights, with a second Sharm el Sheikh departure as well as flights to Istanbul and Hurghada.
British Airways cancellations are increasing, with a flight to Funchal grounded.
For each departing flight that is cancelled, there will be passengers waiting at an airport abroad to fly back to Gatwick.
Widespread cancellations see up to 5,000 passengers affected
16:09 , Simon CalderEven though Gatwick South terminal has reopened, widespread cancellations have begun to be made.British Airways has cancelled at least 30 flights to and from the Sussex airport.
European and North African flights from Gatwick have been grounded to Tenerife, Marrakech, Malta, Faro, Porto, Malaga, Alicante, Seville, Jersey (two), Bordeaux, Verona, and Turin.
Long-haul flights to Trinidad and Islamabad are cancelled. All the related inbound flights are also grounded.
An estimated 5,000 passengers have been affected.
Passengers queue to return to south terminal
16:00 , Simon CalderThousands of passengers who have sought refuge in North Terminal at Gatwick – as the only place for some distance with warmth and catering – are now queuing for the shuttle to get back to South Terminal.
In addition, there is confusion over the status of Gatwick airport railway station. It is open and trains are stopping, but the message has gone out that it will not reopen until 4.15pm.
Watch: Crowd gathers outside Gatwick Airport after evacuation
15:47 , Holly EvansIn pictures: Passengers and air crew waiting outside Gatwick
15:36 , Holly Evans
Train lines reopen but delays expected
15:20 , Holly EvansAn update from the Gatwick Express have warned that delays are expected until 4.15pm, despite the lines reopening.
A statement read: Lines have reopened following the police dealing with an incident at Gatwick Airport earlier today. Trains may still be delayed by up to 20 minutes or revised.
“This is expected to continue until approximately 4.15pm.
“For the latest flight information and updates, please check directly with your airline operator.”
🚫 Our advice remains - Do not travel to Gatwick Airport 🚫
— Gatwick Express (@GatwickExpress) November 22, 2024
ℹ️ For information on flights, please contact your airline or the airport.
Once we know more, we will update you on our X pages, and service updates page, below👇https://t.co/ZTUEaFZJTz
Nurse due to fly to Jamaica left ‘very frustrated’ by lack of updates
15:02 , Holly EvansNejadeen Braham, 35, who works as a nurse on the Isle of Man, was due to fly to her homeland of Jamaica to collect her children.
Speaking to reporters outside the south terminal, she said: “I couldn’t get in the airport. I saw everybody coming (out) from one direction.
“I was supposed to go inside, drop my bags and go through security. When I got here I saw everybody coming down.
“There were no proper updates. I’m very frustrated.”
London Gatwick reopens South Terminal
14:46 , Holly EvansA London Gatwick 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.”
316 flights had been scheduled to depart airport on Friday
14:31 , Holly EvansPassenger 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.”
Aviation analytics website Cirium said 316 flights are scheduled to depart from the airport on Friday, with a total of more than 60,600 seats.
A further 318 flights are scheduled to arrive, with more than 61,400 seats.
Hotel helps travellers
14:08 , Jane DaltonAn airport hotel allowed some stranded passengers to go in to get warm and charge their phones.
Huge thank you to @HiltonHotels at #Gatwick for letting people warm up and charge phones and stuff while we're stuck because of the evacuation! I was having a massive panic attack before I was let in here!
— Rhiannon Taylor-Capjon (@areteedee2) November 22, 2024
Check information online before coming, says BA
14:00 , Jane DaltonBritish Airways is advising passengers to check information online before travelling to Gatwick Airport.
A spokesperson told The Independent: “Like other airlines, we are experiencing some disruption to our flight schedule at Gatwick due to a security incident at the airport’s South Terminal.
“We are in contact with affected customers and giving them updates as and when we can. We’re also providing them with options including flight rebookings and hotel accommodation where necessary.
“We ask customers to check ba.com for the latest flight information before coming to the airport.”
Chaos extends into Surrey
13:55 , Jane Dalton
The small commuter railway station of Horley in Surrey has suddenly become the main rail hub for Gatwick Airport.
North terminal is currently operating more or less normally but the problem is getting there and away. Fast trains are stopping there instead of at the airport’s own station, which is closed.
Passengers are either walking the 20-minute distance to North terminal, or paying a reported £30 for the two-mile journey.
Flight delays
13:46 , Jane DaltonSome flights have departed from the south terminal since the evacuation, meaning some passengers may have been unable to board.
A British Airways flight to Cancun, Mexico, took off at 11.16am, 26 minutes behind schedule.
Several British Airways departures are delayed by at least an hour and 40 minutes, including to Orlando, USA; Funchal, Portugal; and Tenerife, Spain.
Spanish carrier Vueling ordered an inbound flight from each of Barcelona and Seville to turn around and return to their starting airports.
A Norwegian flight to Bergen departed two hours and seven minutes late.
Your rights if your journey is disrupted
13:37 , Jane DaltonPassengers on any flights that are cancelled as a result of the security scare at Gatwick South Terminal are covered by air passengers’ rights rules, writes Simon Calder.
They stipulate that the cancelling airline must provide an alternative flight as soon as possible on any carrier.
While passengers are waiting, they must be provided with meals and, if necessary, accommodation. Cash compensation is not payable in addition, because the airlines are not responsible for the disruption.
Passengers whose flights left without them are in a trickier position. Thousands had arrived at Gatwick South Terminal, only to find they could not check in.
Many of them will have found their flight departed with whichever passengers had arrived before the security scare.
Legally, the airlines have no obligation to such travellers. In practice, though, airlines are likely to take a flexible attitude to passengers left behind, allowing them to transfer to later flights without penalty.
The problem then will be whether seats are available. Many flights are very heavily booked.
Gatwick Express not stopping at airport
13:00 , Tara CobhamGatwick Express trains are not stopping at the Gatwick Airport station.
Travellers are being urged to avoid the station.
⚠️Gatwick Airport will not be served until further notice
— Gatwick Express (@GatwickExpress) November 22, 2024
📢This is due to the Police and emergency services dealing with an incident at the airport
ℹ️More info to follow as it is received
Blankets and water bottles being distributed to passengers at Gatwick, reports traveller
12:50 , Tara CobhamBlankets and water bottles are being distributed to the passengers at Gatwick Aiport, according to a fellow traveller.
They post on X this afternoon: “Blankets and water bottles being distributed to the public. Happening now at Gatwick airport south terminal.”
Blankets and water bottles being distributed to the public. Happening now at Gatwick airport south terminal. 🇬🇧✈️ #London pic.twitter.com/jTxvAuJfhs
— Marco Pajo (@ISawMarcoPolo) November 22, 2024
Police put security cordon in place around south terminal
12:48 , Tara CobhamPolice have put a security cordon in place around Gatwick Airport’s south terminal.
Sussex Police officers were called to the scene at 8.20am.
A security cordon is in place around the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport following discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
— Sussex Police (@sussex_police) November 22, 2024
Police were called at 8.20am this morning and, as a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/nlUD3u8knu
South Terminal flights departing with long delays – and leaving passengers behind
12:42 , Travel correspondent Simon CalderThe closure at Gatwick South Terminal only affects the “landside” area before the security checkpoint. Passengers who were “airside” at the time the incident began have been departing on flights with British Airways, Wizz Air and other airlines.
BA’s flights to Cancun in Mexico and Orlando in Florida have departed, albeit around an hour late. It is believed that not all the passengers booked on the flights were on board. The latest check-in time for the British Airways flight to Orlando, for example, was 10.20am, long after closure took effect. It is likely, therefore, that passengers who had not already checked in and passed through the security checkpoint were on board.
Airlines are likely to take a flexible attitude to passengers who were left behind, allowing them to transfer to later flights without penalty.
Passengers seen wrapped in emergency foil blankets as they wait at Gatwick Airport
12:41 , Tara CobhamPassengers have been seen wrapped in emergency foil blankets to shield themselves from the cold as they wait at Gatwick Airport.
Pictures posted on social media show the travellers anxiously waiting for updates amid travel chaos at the south terminal.
Passengers being let off planes at Gatwick due to cold and hunger, says traveller
12:29 , Tara CobhamPassengers are being let off planes at Gatwick Airport due to cold and hunger, a fellow traveller has said.
In a post on X this afternoon, they said: “Update – people are being let off planes, but only because they are cold or hungry and it’s not moving again, I’ve been informed.”
Update, people are being let of planes but only because they are cold / hungry and it’s not moving again I’ve been informed. Still waiting for news Professional teams here at @Gatwick_Airport dealing with situation but no formal news pic.twitter.com/QbSalWqjE7
— Laurence KC, ⓥ Pavegen (@LaurenceKC) November 22, 2024
Gatwick Airport’s north terminal is unaffected by incident
12:26 , Tara CobhamGatwick Airport’s north terminal has been unaffected by the ongoing incident at the south terminal.
A large part of the south terminal building, meanwhile, has been evacuated.
Travellers flying from south terminal unable to check-in since incident began
12:24 , Tara CobhamTravellers flying from the south terminal have been unable to check-in since the incident at Gatwick Airport began.
Passengers are facing huge delays, with flight disruption already underway.
Hack for reaching (or leaving) Gatwick North Terminal by train
12:14 , Travel correspondent Simon CalderGatwick airport rail station, which normally handles over 50,000 passengers a day, is closed. It is built into South Terminal, which has been evacuated. Trains are passing through without stopping.
North Terminal is functioning normally, but has no access to the rail station.
However, there is an alternative station on the main line from London and East Croydon: Horley, which is about a 20-minute walk from North Terminal. It is a slightly tricky journey and not recommended for those with heavy luggage.
Flight disruption now under way at Gatwick
12:07 , Travel correspondent Simon CalderFlight disruption is now under way at Gatwick. The Spanish budget airline Vueling has ordered two flights from Barcelona to Gatwick, as well as a single flight from Seville, to turn around and return to their starting points.
The corresponding outbound flights to Spain will also be grounded.
Police been seen arriving at Gatwick Airport
11:56 , Tara CobhamPolice have been seen arriving at Gatwick Airport.
A passenger reported officers arriving at the scene at 11.53am.
Police arriving at Gatwick airport . 11:53am. Still no update from the airport staff. pic.twitter.com/2Vi1PzMh2X
— Marco Pajo (@ISawMarcoPolo) November 22, 2024
Police reveal bomb squad called in after suspected prohibited item found in luggage at Gatwick
11:53 , Tara CobhamPolice 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'
11:51 , Tara CobhamThe 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
11:47 , Travel editor Ben ParkerAs 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’
11:45 , Tara Cobham
Huge crowds gather outside Gatwick South Terminal after ‘security incident’
Flights delayed as passengers ‘warned to stay away from departure lounge'
11:44 , Tara CobhamA 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.”
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 Gatwick! pic.twitter.com/Eka3C6s72Z
— Laurence KC, ⓥ Pavegen (@LaurenceKC) November 22, 2024
Gallons of water reportedly delivered to waiting passengers while information on incident still scarce
11:39 , Tara CobhamGallons 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!”
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! #gatwick
— Leonardo Jervis (@WizardryDJ) November 22, 2024
Analysis from The Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder
11:34 , Tara CobhamGatwick’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
11:33 , Tara CobhamTrain 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
11:31 , Tara CobhamThousands 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.”
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 1000's of all over the streets and carparks waiting. pic.twitter.com/igXDpt9aQL
— Nick Meacham (@SportsProNick) November 22, 2024
In pictures: Passengers warned to stay away as large part of Gatwick evacuated
11:23 , Tara Cobham
Full story: Flight disruption expected after evacuation at Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal
11:18 , Tara CobhamGatwick Airport has evacuated “a large part” of the South Terminal due to a security incident.
The Sussex airport confirmed the news in a social media post, with passengers expected to face disruption to their flights.
“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident,” a statement read.
Joanna Whitehead reports:
Flight disruption expected after evacuation at Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal
Gatwick Airport terminal evacuated due to security incident
11:16 , Tara CobhamA large part of Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal has been evacuated as a security incident is being investigated.
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.”
A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident.
— London Gatwick LGW (@Gatwick_Airport) November 22, 2024
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.… pic.twitter.com/srjjz4rra0
