Security Incident Results in Evacuation of Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal

The Gatwick Express rail service, which connects central London and England’s south coast with Gatwick Airport, has suspended operations to the airport «until further notice,» according to an official post on X, formerly known as Twitter. This comes as a security incident prompted the evacuation of a large part of Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal.

Sussex Police reported that officers were deployed at the terminal around 8:20 a.m. on Friday following the discovery of a suspect item in the luggage area. A security cordon has been established around the terminal, and an explosive ordnance disposal team is on site as a precautionary measure. Police have urged the public to avoid the area due to significant disruptions and road closures near the South Terminal.

Gatwick Airport, the UK’s second busiest airport, stated that the safety and security of passengers and staff are the top priorities, and efforts are underway to resolve the situation quickly. Passengers will not be allowed entry into the terminal during the ongoing investigation.

Train services have been significantly affected, according to National Rail Enquiries, which stated that while trains can pass through the Gatwick station, they will not stop there during the incident. Services are expected to be disrupted until approximately 2 p.m. as police and airport authorities manage the situation.

An aviation analytics website, Cirium, noted that 316 outgoing flights and 318 incoming flights are scheduled for Friday, with thousands of passengers potentially affected by the terminal evacuation. The incident has also impacted local bus services, which are currently unable to connect passengers to Gatwick Airport due to the security measures in place.

As the explosive ordnance disposal team continues its investigation, individuals involved in or planning travel through Gatwick Airport are advised to remain informed through official channels and heed any updates or instructions from authorities.