London Gatwick Airport Evacuation Update: What We Know About The Bomb Scare That Led To Evacuation Of South Terminal

The Gatwick Airport in London recently received a bomb scare that led to the evacuation of its South Terminal. Throngs of people were seen waiting outside after the evacuation. After a thorough security procedure, the terminal has now reopened but it seems that flight operations may suffer a delay owing to the security threat. Here are all of the important details that you would need to know about this security incident at this popular airport.

London Gatwick Airport Evacuation Update: Here’s What We Know

✅ 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… pic.twitter.com/yNseHHBPmR

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

According to an article which was recently published by The Indian Express or the IE, the incident took place on Friday, November 22, 2024. A suspect package was found at the airport and at around 8:20 AM, authorities were called.

We have concluded our 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. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/ASxpPd7isA

— Sussex Police (@sussex_police) November 22, 2024

The entire South Terminal of the airport was evacuated and the area was cordoned. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal or the EOD team took care of the suspect package and the terminal soon resumed operations. Flight operations were delayed but the airport said that safety was its top priority.

We can confirm that the ‘loud bang’ reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers.

Enquiries are still ongoing and cordons will remain in place for the time being.

— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) November 22, 2024

Pictures and videos of large crowds waiting around the South Terminal of the London Airport went viral on X (formerly known as Twitter). Shortly prior to this, a loud explosion was heard near the US Embassy. This, however, turned out to be a controlled explosion.

Also Read: British Airways Cancels More Than 200 Flights From Heathrow, Gatwick, And London City Airports; Cited Operational Issues

More Information About The Explosion At The US Embassy

As per the posts by the British police, the explosion was carried out after a suspect package was found. If reports are to go by, it was located near the south bank of the Thames River. It is important to note that the explosion did not result in any injuries or loss of life it seems.

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

Authorities have issued statements about the incident. London Gatwick, too, has now resumed operations after the delay. It is hoped that the delay incurred owing to this incident will soon be ironed out.

Also Read: London’s Gatwick Airport Evacuates Part Of South Terminal Due To A Security Scare; Bomb Squad Sent

Were you or someone you know impacted by this whole ordeal at the London Gatwick Airport? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: @LaurenceKC and @XTheWorldXx/X (Formerly, Twitter)

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