Gatwick Airport South Terminal Evacuated After Suspicious Package Report, Two Individuals Briefly Detained

Police temporarily held two individuals following an evacuation of Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal, which occurred after a suspicious package was reported. The South Terminal, one of the airport’s two terminals, ceased operations at 10:55 GMT on Friday as an explosive ordnance disposal team worked to “made the package safe”. Sussex Police verified the detention of two individuals, who were subsequently permitted to proceed with their travels. Although the terminal has resumed operations, travelers have received warnings about ongoing delays and flight cancellations. According to a Gatwick Airport spokesperson who spoke to the BBC, Friday’s disruption resulted in “around 40 cancellations” from “over 240 scheduled flights”. Earlier on Friday, thousands of passengers found themselves stranded outside the terminal in temperatures close to freezing, with numerous individuals expressing confusion about the situation. John Mather, who arrived at the South Terminal from Costa Rica during its closure, stated, “No-one seems to know what they are doing.” He added, “We were then bussed to the North Terminal, where we went through immigration and collected our bags. [We had] no help whatsoever from airport or security staff.” Mr. Mather, a Croydon resident, mentioned that due to trains not stopping at Gatwick, he would have to walk to the Horley station, which is over half an hour away. “It’s hopeless, I’m stuck here,” he remarked. Train services have since recommenced stopping at Gatwick. Gabriele Lecce, another passenger who was unable to travel, had intended to fly to Rome but was informed of a problem upon his arrival at departures. He informed the BBC, “Fifteen minutes later, we saw the police coming and they evacuated us – we’re freezing out here.” Numerous individuals, including Emily Fisher and her three companions, were compelled to arrange alternative travel, collectively spending £1,200 on new tickets to Budapest for a flight departing from Luton Airport. Emily stated, “We got to [Gatwick] airport at 11:00, there were hundreds of people outside.” She added, “They said the terminal was on lockdown but the people at the airport were telling us they didn’t know anything.” Travel journalist Simon Calder reported that approximately 100,000 passengers were scheduled to travel through Gatwick Airport on Friday, with half of them using the South Terminal. Currently, passengers describe themselves as “cautiously optimistic” while boarding shuttle trains bound for the South Terminal. Alaia, 18, attempting to return home to Barcelona, remarked, “Until we’re on the plane, we can’t relax.” She also expressed concern, “I’m worried that so many planes are delayed that some won’t actually take off.” A Gatwick Airport spokesperson advised passengers to verify their flight status directly with their respective airline.