Updated at 3pm: Gatwick reopens South Terminal after security alert
Gatwick airport is reopening to staff and passengers after they were evacuated from the South Terminal this morning because of a security incident.
A spokesperson for the hub said just before 3pm: “The earlier security alert has now been resolved and cleared by police.
“The South Terminal is reopening to staff and will be open to passengers shortly.
“Trains will also start calling at Gatwick airport once the terminal is fully reopened.
This morning, the airport had said in a statement: “A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing.
The North Terminal was operating normally, according to the airport responses on X.
Sussex Police issued a statement shortly after noon, saying: “A security cordon is in place around the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport following discovery of a suspected 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.
“This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We are advising the public to avoid the area where possible.”
The BBC reported that passengers have been unable to enter the South Terminal since 10:55am and Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express services are affected.
Gatwick Express said its trains will not be stopping at the airport “until further notice”.
Its statement on X added: “This is due to the Police and emergency services dealing with an incident at the airport. More info to follow as it is received.”
Aviation analytics firm Cirium said 316 flights are scheduled to depart from Gatwick today – equating to more than 60,650 seats.
Meanwhile, a further 318 flights are scheduled to arrive at the airport today, equating to more than 61,400 seats.
Picture of the entrance to departures at Gatwick airport South Terminal by Yau Ming Low/Shutterstock.com