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

Scheduled flight operations at Gatwick Airport, London, started properly on Friday and were continuing well until the airport authorities had to intervene. According to several reports, many passengers were evacuated from a major part of the airport due to a security threat and was followed by a probe. What actually happened that triggered the unexpected announcement? Scroll down to know more about this decision by the authorities.

London’s Gatwick Airport Evacuated A Part Of Its South Terminal

Gatwick Airport shared necessary information about the recent incident on its official X platform.

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

On November 22, London’s Gatwick Airport evacuated many people from its South Terminal. As shared on social media platform X, the airport authorities cleared the area as a precaution over a security threat. The airport management also stated about continuing to investigate the security incident during this time.

The official statement further added that passengers will not be allowed to enter the airport’s South Terminal till the deployed teams are inspecting. “Passengers will not be able to enter the airport’s South Terminal while this is ongoing,” the X post mentioned.

For Gatwick Airport authorities, passengers’ and staff’s safety and security are the top priority. The statement also added, “We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.” All these major decisions have been taken after the news about a suspected prohibited item inside a baggage broke out. Pictures and videos of hundreds of passengers waiting outside the airport are making rounds on social media platforms.

Also read: Two Passengers Arrested At Bengaluru Airport For Attempting To Smuggle 40 Rare Animals Like Beaded Lizards & Tortoises

The unexpected disruption in flight operations and evacuation of people led to the closure of several roads around the South Terminal. In addition, long queues formed on the M23. It is better to avoid this area completely at the moment.

Bomb Squad Reached The Spot

Following the suspicion about a prohibited item at around 8:20 AM (local time), police called a bomb disposal unit at the airport. Sussex Police officers stated about putting a security cordon in place. According to multiple reports, an explosive ordnance disposal is at the airport premises as a precaution.

Also read: Mumbai Airport Put On High Alert After Authorities Receive Bomb Threat On Azerbaijan Flight

If you have a flight to catch to or from Gatwick Airport, stay updated before travelling.

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons