Chaos erupted at Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal this morning as hundreds of passengers were evacuated following the discovery of a suspicious item in a passenger’s luggage. Sussex Police have confirmed that the item, classified as a “suspected prohibited item,” triggered an immediate security response.
Sniffer Dogs and Bomb Disposal Units Deployed
Footage from the scene shows sniffer dogs combing through crowds of evacuated travelers. Passengers were ushered to a safe area outside the terminal, where they were handed water bottles and blankets by airport staff. Adding to the disruption, several rail services—Southern Rail, Gatwick Express, and Thameslink—temporarily suspended stops at Gatwick Airport, with closures expected to last until at least 2 PM GMT.
To ensure public safety, a security cordon was established while an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team examined the item. Sussex Police issued a statement, urging the public to avoid the area due to significant disruption and road closures around the terminal.
Travelers Left Confused and Concerned
Videos shared online reveal the confusion and concern among passengers as they were moved away from the terminal. “It’s been a long, cold wait outside, but safety comes first,” said one traveler. Another described the tense atmosphere, noting, “The dogs and officers were working nonstop.”
Despite the massive inconvenience, airport staff worked diligently to maintain order, providing essential supplies to stranded passengers.
Ongoing Investigation
As of this update, Gatwick Airport has not released specifics about the suspicious item, but officials have stated that investigations are ongoing. With holiday travel season ramping up, this incident underscores the importance of vigilance in crowded transport hubs.
Passengers are advised to monitor travel updates and check with airlines and rail services for further developments.