Gatwick Airport evacuated after suspicious item discovered

Gatwick Airport was evacuated this morning after a suspicious item was found in a piece of luggage.

The evacuation took place at 10:55 a.m. GMT. It is believed that the suspicious baggage was discovered at around 8 a.m. GMT, according to reports.

Sussex Police have confirmed that they were called to the South Terminal at 8:20 a.m, wherein a bomb disposal team was deployed as a precaution.

“The South Terminal remains closed as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident,” said Gatwick Airport in a statement. “Passengers are not able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing and trains are not currently stopping at Gatwick Airport.”

The airport advises passengers to contact their airline for further information regarding their scheduled flights.

Despite the evacuation, a Gatwick spokesperson confirmed to TPG that the airport is still operational, with incoming planes to the airport still able to land. The North Terminal remains unaffected.

“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with,” said Sussex Police in a statement issued on their website. “As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport.”

Police have advised the general public to avoid the area where possible as the situation is investigated and advised that some roads around the South Terminal have been closed, causing significant disruption.

Rail services calling at Gatwick Airport have also been paused, affecting Southern Rail, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services.

There are 316 flights scheduled to depart Gatwick Airport today, with a further 318 flights scheduled to arrive, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

This is a developing story that we will update as we find out more.