Gatwick Airport South Terminal evacuated over suspect luggage
Image credit: Laurence Kemball-Cook
Part of Gatwick Airport has been evacuated following a security-related event.
BBC News, South East England
A major area of one of Gatwick Airport's terminals has been cleared out following the discovery of a potentially banned item in a piece of baggage.
Since 10:55 GMT, travelers have not been allowed to access the South Terminal.
"The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and employees is our highest concern," stated a spokesperson for the airport.
Sussex Police reported that a team specializing in explosive ordnance disposal was sent in as a safety measure.
"A police spokesperson stated that a security perimeter has been established to protect the public, employees, and other individuals at the airport while the situation is being addressed."
"This is leading to major disturbances, and certain roads near the South Terminal have been shut down. We recommend that people steer clear of the area if they can."
"Waiting Without Any Promises"
Laurence Kemball-Cook, who was planning to travel to Portugal, mentioned that he and his family experienced security delays of as long as 90 minutes.
“We were sitting there waiting for our flight, which was a bit late, when suddenly a staff member hurried over and told us, ‘You need to evacuate immediately.’ I quickly ran down the hall, grabbed my partner and our baby, who were in the middle of changing, and then we all rushed out with the rest of the crowd from the main terminal,” he recounted.
"We are currently in a state of waiting, uncertain about when it will actually depart."
"I can spot the plane, but it appears that the entire airport is closed, and no one—none of the officers—will provide us with any information."
Photo credit: Eddie Mitchell
A security barrier has been established at the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport.
The airport in West Sussex explained that the evacuation was a safety measure as they carried on with their inquiry.
"The airport representative announced that travelers won't be allowed to access the South Terminal during this time."
"We're putting in our best efforts to fix the problem as soon as we can."
According to National Rail Enquiries, train services will not resume at Gatwick Airport station until around 2:00 PM GMT.
A representative from Southern recommended that travelers avoid going to Gatwick.
"Currently, the police are handling an incident, which has led to the evacuation of both the station and the airport," they stated.
Thameslink, Southern, and Gatwick Express operations are experiencing disruptions.
The National Highways reported significant delays starting from junction 9 of the M23 as drivers make their way to Gatwick.
London Victoria railway station is urging travelers to steer clear of Gatwick Airport.
According to Southern, local bus services have been impacted and can no longer operate to Gatwick.
A spokesperson mentioned, "We've been informed about some road closures in the area, so if you're planning to drive to the airport, keep this in mind while mapping out your trip."
London Victoria railway station is advising travelers to steer clear of heading to Gatwick Airport.
Public announcements and displays at the station are warning people to avoid traveling to that area and to remain at Victoria Station.
The evacuation has no impact on the north terminal.
At the same time, travel reporter Simon Calder mentioned that around 100,000 travelers are expected to arrive at and depart from Gatwick Airport today.
He mentioned that approximately half of the travelers would be utilizing the southern terminal.
"Planes are still arriving, but if they land at the South Terminal, passengers go to the gate as usual. However, instead of using the air bridge to walk into the international arrivals area, they are being taken by bus to the North Terminal for processing," he explained.
"This will result in large groups of people gathering, and they won't be able to exit the North Terminal to access the station."
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