London One of the terminals at a major British airport was evacuated on Friday due to an unidentified “security incident.” Later on, it was reopened.
Passengers were instructed to evacuate a portion of London Gatwick’s south terminal “as a precaution” while an investigation is conducted, the airport said.
Officers were contacted to the airport around 8:20 a.m. (3:20 a.m. ET), according to a statement from Sussex Police, after a “suspected prohibited item” was found in a passenger’s luggage.
The airport announced that the situation was over at 2:44 p.m. (9:44 a.m. ET) and that travelers might expect some delays and cancellations until the terminal reopened.
In response to a report of a suspicious package, police claimed they had “concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package” after an explosives disposal team “made the package safe.”
Police said in a statement that there would be more police in the area and that “two people who were detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys.”
A bomb disposal crew had already been sent to the location “as a precaution,” according to police, who also stated that because of the disturbance created by the closure of the terminal and other roads, the public was urged to stay away from the area.
“Our top focus continues to be the safety and security of our employees and passengers. In a statement on X, the airport stated, “We are making every effort to find a swift solution to the problem.
On social media, travelers shared images and videos of sizable groups waiting outside the terminal as a portion of it is shuttered.
Separately, a suspicious item was discovered outside the U.S. Embassy in London on Friday, prompting the closure of a road outside the building.
“A suspicious package outside the U.S. Embassy in London is being looked at by local officials. Because of their presence and extreme caution, the Met Police have closed Ponton Road. When more information becomes available, we’ll let you know,” an embassy official said in a statement.
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