A significant portion of London’s Gatwick Airport was evacuated on Friday following a security incident, the airport confirmed via its social media platform. The precautionary measure affected the South Terminal, one of two terminals at the airport, which is Britain’s second busiest.
In a statement shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Gatwick officials said they were investigating the incident. “As a precaution, part of Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal has been evacuated. Passengers are currently being prevented from entering the building while the investigation is underway,” the statement read.
Details about the nature of the security issue remain unclear, and no timeline for the resolution has been provided. Airport authorities assured passengers and the public that the evacuation was a precautionary step to ensure safety and emphasized that they were working to resolve the situation swiftly.
Passengers at the scene reported being directed out of the terminal and described a visible police presence as operations in the affected area came to a halt. Travelers awaiting flights or seeking entry into the South Terminal were advised to follow updates from airport authorities and their airlines for further instructions.
The incident caused disruptions to airport operations, with some passengers expressing frustration over delays. Others acknowledged the need for safety protocols, underscoring the importance of prioritizing security in such situations.
Gatwick Airport, located about 30 miles south of central London, is a major hub for domestic and international flights. Handling millions of passengers annually, it is second only to Heathrow in terms of traffic volume in the United Kingdom. Security incidents at such facilities often prompt immediate and large-scale responses due to the potential risks involved.
Authorities have not disclosed whether the incident poses any broader threat or if it is linked to recent security concerns in the region. Security protocols at airports across the UK have been heightened in recent months in response to evolving risks.
This is not the first time Gatwick has faced operational disruptions due to security issues. The airport is well-versed in implementing rapid response measures to address potential threats while minimizing inconvenience to passengers.
Travelers are urged to check for updates through Gatwick’s official communication channels and contact their airlines for specific flight information. The airport has not yet provided an estimated timeline for the resumption of normal operations at the South Terminal.
