Bomb Disposal Squad Safeguards Gatwick Airport After Handling Suspect Package Incident

A bomb disposal team was dispatched to Gatwick Airport's South Terminal on Friday due to a security alert involving a suspicious package. The terminal, briefly closed during the investigation, has since reopened. Located about 45 km south of London, Gatwick is the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow. Two individuals detained during the incident have been released and allowed to continue their travels.

Security Measures and Police Response

Sussex Police confirmed that their investigation into the suspicious package at Gatwick Airport has concluded. "Officers from the EOD Explosive Ordnance Disposal team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator," they stated. The police also mentioned that there will be an increased presence in the area to assist passengers accessing the South Terminal.

The incident caused significant disruption at Gatwick's South Terminal, while the North Terminal remained unaffected. According to Sussex Police, "Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday November 22 following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage." A security cordon was established to ensure public safety.

Impact on Travellers and Transport Services

Footage shared on social media depicted frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building. Gatwick Airport acknowledged the situation, stating, "A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident." They emphasised that passenger and staff safety is their top priority.

Train and bus services serving Gatwick were also affected as police conducted their inquiries. The airport worked diligently to resolve the issue swiftly. "Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing," Gatwick stated in a social media post.

In an unrelated event in south London on Friday morning, Scotland Yard dealt with a suspected hoax device near the US Embassy in Nine Elms by conducting a controlled explosion. The Metropolitan Police reported, "We can confirm the loud bang reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers."

Initial assessments suggested that the item was likely a hoax device. An investigation is underway, although most police activity has now been reduced. Some cordons remain in place temporarily, according to police updates shared on X.

Gatwick Airport has resumed normal operations following the resolution of the security incident. The swift response by authorities ensured minimal disruption for passengers and staff. Enhanced security measures remain in place to safeguard future travel activities at this major UK transport hub.