Gatwick Airport latest: Police call in bomb squad after terminal evacuated

6 hours ago

A crowd has formed outside Gatwick Airport following an evacuation.

Join Simon Calder’s Free Travel Email For Tips!

Subscribe To Simon Calder's Travel Newsletter

Subscribe To Simon Calder's Travel Emails

I’d like to receive emails regarding promotions, events, and news from The Independent. Please take a look at our privacy policy.

Gatwick Airport - Figure 1 — Photo The Independent

Authorities have summoned a bomb disposal team to Gatwick Airport following the evacuation of passengers while they look into a security matter.

On Friday morning, a significant section of the south terminal at the UK’s second busiest airport was cleared out, and travelers were advised to keep their distance. This action was taken after authorities found a suspicious item in a piece of luggage at 8:20 am.

Passengers departing from the south terminal have not been able to check in since the situation arose, leading to significant delays, as flight disruptions at the airport are already in effect. Social media posts reveal images of travelers huddled in emergency foil blankets to protect themselves from the chilly weather while they wait outside the terminal.

Officers from Sussex Police have established a security perimeter.

The authorities announced: "As a safety measure, a bomb disposal team is heading to the airport."

"This has led to major interruptions, and several roads near the south terminal are currently shut down."

"We recommend that people steer clear of the area if they can."

The airport released a statement explaining, "Travelers will not be allowed access to the South Terminal during this time. The safety and security of our passengers and personnel is our highest priority. We are making every effort to address the situation as swiftly as we can."

"Gatwick Passengers Receive Blankets And Water"

A fellow traveler mentioned that blankets and water bottles are being handed out to passengers at Gatwick Airport.

This afternoon, they shared on X: “Blankets and water bottles are currently being handed out to the public at the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport.”

Tara Cobham, November 22, 2024 at 12:50 PM.

Police Establish Security Cordons At South Terminal

Authorities have set up a security perimeter around the south terminal of Gatwick Airport.

Police from Sussex arrived at the location at 8:20 in the morning.

Tara Cobham on November 22, 2024, at 12:48 PM.

Long Delays At South Terminal Flights Leave Passengers Behind

The shutdown at Gatwick’s South Terminal is limited to the area before the security check, known as the "landside." Travelers who were already past security, or “airside,” when the situation unfolded have continued to board flights operated by British Airways, Wizz Air, and other airlines.

Gatwick Airport - Figure 2 — Photo The Independent

British Airways' flights to Cancun, Mexico, and Orlando, Florida, have taken off, but about an hour behind schedule. It appears that not all passengers booked for these flights made it on board. For instance, the final check-in deadline for the flight to Orlando was at 10:20 AM, which was well after check-in had closed. This suggests that those who hadn't checked in and gone through security likely missed their flights.

Airlines are expected to adopt a more accommodating approach to travelers who miss their flights, letting them change to later flights without any additional charges.

Travel writer Simon Calder reported on November 22, 2024, at 12:42.

Travelers Wrapped In Foil Blankets At Gatwick

Travelers have been spotted using emergency foil blankets to keep warm while they wait outside Gatwick Airport.

Photos shared on social media depict travelers nervously awaiting news amidst the travel turmoil at the southern terminal.

Tara Cobham, November 22, 2024, at 12:41 PM.

Gatwick Passengers Released From Planes For Food

A fellow traveler reported that passengers are being allowed to exit their planes at Gatwick Airport because they are feeling cold and hungry.

Earlier today on X, they shared an update saying: "Passengers are being allowed to leave the planes, but only due to feeling cold or hungry since there’s no movement yet, according to what I've heard."

Tara Cobham - November 22, 2024, at 12:29 PM

Gatwick North Terminal Remains Unaffected

The north terminal at Gatwick Airport has not been impacted by the current situation at the south terminal.

A significant section of the southern terminal building has been cleared out.

Tara Cobham on November 22, 2024, at 12:26 PM.

South Terminal Travelers Face Check-In Issues

Passengers departing from the south terminal haven't been able to complete their check-in since the situation at Gatwick Airport started.

Travelers are experiencing significant delays, and there are already interruptions in flight schedules.

Tara Cobham, November 22, 2024, at 12:24 PM.

Train Tips For Gatwick North Terminal Travel

The Gatwick Airport train station, which usually serves more than 50,000 travelers each day, is currently shut down. It is located within the South Terminal, which has been evacuated. Trains are continuing to pass through the station without making any stops.

The North Terminal is operating as usual, but there is no way to reach the train station from there.

There is another option for getting to the main line between London and East Croydon: Horley station. It's roughly a 20-minute walk from North Terminal. This route can be a bit challenging, so it's not ideal for anyone carrying a lot of luggage.

Travel writer Simon Calder reported on November 22, 2024, at 12:14.

Flight Disruptions Now Occurring At Gatwick

There are currently delays at Gatwick Airport. The low-cost Spanish airline Vueling has instructed two flights from Barcelona to return instead of landing, along with one flight from Seville that will also head back.

Flights departing for Spain will also be cancelled.

Travel writer Simon Calder reported on November 22, 2024, at 12:07.