London Gatwick Airport (LGW) has informed passengers that a large part of one of its terminals has been evacuated as a precautionary measure following a security incident, while the local police have said that a bomb squad was deployed to the terminal.
Security incident at Gatwick
In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, London Gatwick Airport (LGW) said that a large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precautionary measure while the airport’s authorities investigate a security incident.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while thisis ongoing. Safety and security of our passengers and staff remains our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
According to a representative of the airport, the North Terminal has not been affected by the evacuation.
Meanwhile, in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Sussex Police said that a security cordon has been placed around the South Terminal at the airport following the discovery of a prohibited item in luggage.
“ Police were called at 8.20am this morning and, as a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed.”
The police department warned that this has been causing disruption, with some roads around the South Terminal being closed. As such, Sussex Police has advised the public to avoid the area as much as possible.
Flightradar24 data showed that at least three arriving aircraft, including a Vueling Airbus A320, registered as EC-MKM, has turned back to its origin airport, Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). However, it was unclear whether the decision to U-turn above France was made because of the security incident.
Photo: Leif Eirik Skaue | Shutterstock
Another Vueling A320 flying from Barcelona to London-Gatwick, operating flight VY7838, registered as EC-MGE, has also diverted and decided to go back to the Spanish city.
The airline’s third A320, registered as EC-LVV, also turned back to the itinerary’s starting point, Seville San Pablo Airport (SVQ), with the aircraft turning back to Seville after spending just more than 30 minutes in the air and not even leaving Spanish airspace.
Airport’s flight schedule
However, no departures have been canceled at this point in time, with the flight tracking website showing that no flights that are scheduled to leave the airport have been axed.
At the same time, the airport’s website showed a handful of delayed departures, including flights that were scheduled to park at the gates of the South Terminal.
Photo: Ceri Breeze | Shutterstock
For example, a KM Malta Airlines flight KM117 from Gatwick to Luqa Malta International Airport (MLA), has been delayed by at least more than two hours to 14:28 local time (UTC +0), while a British Airways flight BA2263 to Kingston Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) has been pushed back to 13:55.
Gatwick Express Service Halted
Gatwick Express has also halted rail service to Gatwick Airport while the incident is being managed.
Trains cannot call at Gatwick Airport until further notice. At present, the station and airport are being evacuated whilst the police are dealing with an incident. We would recommend delaying your journey until later this morning. Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express trains can still run through the area, but will NOT be stopping at Gatwick Airport. f you have already left for your journey, you will need to leave the train at either Horley, Three Bridges or Crawley and use local Metrobus services to Gatwick Airport. Your ticket will be accepted at no extra cost on these routes. – Gatwick Express on X
Source: Simple Flying
