London airport terminal reopens hours after bomb scare prompted evacuation

London’s Gatwick Airport said it is reopening its south terminal after police resolved a security alert triggered when a suspicious item was found in a passenger’s luggage.

The passenger terminal at London’s Gatwick Airport was evacuated on Friday after a suspected prohibited item was discovered in luggage prompting the dispatch of a bomb disposal team.

The earlier security alert has now been resolved and cleared by police,” the airport said in a statement posted on social media just before 3 p.m (1500 GMT). “The South Terminal is reopening to staff and will be open to passengers shortly.”

Gatwick said some flights were canceled and others were delayed by the incident. Passengers should contact their airline for any updates on flights, the airport said.

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In a statement, the Sussex Police had said, “Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8:20 am on Friday following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.”

Airport authorities said that they have evacuated people from the building which, the police say, has caused massive traffic disruptions in the area.

Gatwick, Britain’s second busiest airport which is located about 30 miles south of London, said earlier it had evacuated a large part of its South terminal, citing a security incident.

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.… pic.twitter.com/srjjz4rra0

— London Gatwick LGW (@Gatwick_Airport) November 22, 2024

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According to BBC, the Gatwick Airport incident has affected trains and bus services around the city. “We’ve also been advised of local road closures too, so if you are driving to the airport, please be aware of this when planning your journey,” a source said.

The London Victoria Railway station has advised travellers to avoid heading to the airport.

Chaos ensued at the airport after passengers were moved out of the building, with many waiting for hours for their flights.

One passenger, according to Sky News, said, “Arrived at London Gatwick for routine connection. Got through customs to find out they’re evacuating the entire airport.”

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

With inputs from agencies