London-Gatwick Airport (LGW) South Terminal has been evacuated upon the “discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage”, according to Sussex Police.
Police officers were called to Gatwick Airport at 08.20 on November 22, 2024, after the terminal was evacuated as a precaution.
An EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team has been deployed to the scene, which has been cordoned off to keep staff and members of the public safe.
“This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” a spokesperson for Sussex Police said.
Gatwick Airport management has declared that passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while the incident is ongoing. It appears that the North Terminal remains unaffected.
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
“Safety and security of our passengers and staff remains our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible,” a spokesperson for Gatwick Airport said.
Video footage of the airport shared on social media shows crowds of people evacuating the terminal and large groups of people gathering outside.
Police and security are everywhere in Gatwick airport.. evacuation happening 🇬🇧✈️ pic.twitter.com/zJJj7rI1uX
— Marco Pajo (@ISawMarcoPolo) November 22, 2024
A police cordon is also in place, to prevent cars from entering Gatwick Airport.
We will provide more information as we get it…
Update at 17:00 (UTC+3):
Gatwick Airport has confirmed that the “earlier security alert has now been resolved and cleared by police” and the “South Terminal is reopening to staff and will be open to passengers shortly”.
A spokesperson for the airport added: “Trains will also start calling at Gatwick Airport once the terminal is fully reopened. We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while this situation was resolved. Safety and security is always our top priority. There are some delays and cancellations, passengers should contact their airline for any updates on flights.”