British police deployed a bomb disposal team to London’s Gatwick Airport on Friday after a suspected prohibited item was found in a passenger’s luggage, leading to the evacuation of the airport’s South Terminal. The incident caused significant disruption as authorities scrambled to assess the threat and ensure public safety.
Sussex Police, responsible for the area surrounding Gatwick, confirmed the discovery of the item early Friday morning, prompting swift action to secure the terminal and surrounding areas. “Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8:20 a.m. following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” the police said in a statement. “As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport.”
Gatwick Airport, located roughly 30 miles south of London and serving as the UK’s second busiest air hub, announced the evacuation via its social media platform, X (formerly Twitter). Authorities stated that passengers and staff were evacuated from a significant portion of the South Terminal, while a security cordon was established to restrict access.
The airport’s statement read: “Due to a security incident, parts of the South Terminal have been evacuated as a precaution. We are working with the police and other authorities to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.”
While the terminal was cleared, passengers waiting for updates were directed to nearby areas outside the building. Confusion and frustration grew among travelers, with many expressing concerns about missed flights and disrupted plans.
The deployment of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team marked a critical phase of the investigation. Bomb disposal specialists arrived on-site to examine the luggage and determine whether the suspected prohibited item posed an actual threat. Sussex Police emphasized that the security measures were precautionary, aiming to minimize risks and ensure public safety.
The nature of the suspected item has not been disclosed, with authorities citing the ongoing investigation. “A thorough examination of the luggage and surrounding area is being conducted,” Sussex Police stated. “We appreciate the patience of the public and those affected by the disruption.”
The security alert also caused considerable disruption to traffic around the airport. Police advised motorists to avoid the area, warning of road closures and significant delays. Public transport services to and from the airport experienced interruptions, compounding challenges for passengers trying to reach the airport for their flights.
On X, Sussex Police posted: “We urge people to avoid the area around Gatwick Airport South Terminal while this incident is being managed. Significant traffic disruption is expected.”
Passengers scheduled to fly from Gatwick expressed frustrations over the lack of clarity and delays caused by the incident. Many took to social media to share their experiences, with some commending the airport’s efforts to prioritize safety, while others voiced exasperation over the lack of timely updates.
Adding to the tense atmosphere, an earlier incident on the same day in central London heightened concerns. London police conducted a controlled explosion near the U.S. Embassy after discovering a suspect package in the area. While unrelated to the Gatwick incident, the two events underscored heightened security measures and vigilance amid growing concerns about public safety.
London’s Metropolitan Police released a statement about the embassy incident, noting that the controlled explosion was carried out as a precaution and the package was later deemed non-threatening. However, the response demonstrated the commitment of UK authorities to rapidly address potential security threats.
As news of the Gatwick evacuation spread, passengers and airport staff reacted with a mix of concern and understanding. Some passengers described the experience as unsettling, especially in light of increased global concerns about airport security. Others appreciated the transparent communication from airport authorities, who kept them updated through announcements and social media posts.
Emily Carter, a traveler en route to Paris, shared her thoughts: “Of course, it’s frustrating to have plans disrupted, but safety has to come first. The evacuation was managed efficiently, and I felt reassured by the presence of police and security teams.”
Airport staff worked to provide assistance to affected passengers, directing them to alternative waiting areas and offering updates about the evolving situation. However, with the disruption lasting several hours, many passengers expressed uncertainty about when they would be able to resume their journeys.
Security experts commended the swift response by Gatwick authorities and Sussex Police, noting that airport security protocols are designed to prioritize safety over convenience. Dr. Caroline Hales, a specialist in aviation security, emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance in high-traffic areas like airports.
“While false alarms can cause significant disruption, they are a necessary part of modern security operations,” Hales said. “Ensuring public safety in an airport environment requires a zero-tolerance approach to potential threats, even if they turn out to be innocuous.”
