RKI Web desk

British authorities evacuated Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal on Friday morning after the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage, leading to the deployment of a bomb disposal team. The incident caused significant disruption, impacting thousands of travelers.

Sussex Police responded to the scene at 8:20 a.m., setting up a security cordon around the terminal. “As a precaution, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team is being deployed to the airport,” police stated. The airport temporarily restricted access to the terminal, advising passengers to stay clear of the area due to traffic disruptions.

Gatwick, the UK’s second busiest airport located 30 miles south of London, faced delays and cancellations with more than 600 flights scheduled on Friday. Videos shared online showed crowds of passengers waiting outside the terminal, some wrapped in emergency blankets to shield themselves from the cold.

In a statement on social media, Gatwick officials confirmed the evacuation and assured passengers that safety remained their top priority. Meanwhile, the aviation analytics firm Cirium estimated that the incident affected over 121,000 passengers set to travel through the airport that day.

Separately, earlier on Friday, London police conducted a controlled explosion near the U.S. Embassy in south London after identifying a suspicious package. Authorities later confirmed it to be a hoax.

The incidents highlight heightened vigilance across the UK as authorities prioritize public safety in busy transportation hubs.