London Gatwick Airport evacuates passengers from terminal over 'security incident'

LONDON — A major British airport evacuated one of its terminals Friday over an unspecified "security incident." It was later reopened.

London Gatwick said that passengers were told to leave part of its south terminal "as a precaution" while an investigation takes place.

Sussex Police said in a statement that officers were called to the airport at 8:20 a.m (3:20 a.m. ET) after the discovery of a "suspected prohibited item" in a passenger's luggage.

At 2:44 p.m. (9:44 a.m. ET) the airport declared the incident over and said the terminal would reopen to passengers shortly, but warned of some delays and cancellations.

Police said they had "concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package" after an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team "made the package safe."

"Two people who were detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys," police said in a statement, adding that there would be an increased police presence in the area.

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Earlier, a bomb disposal team headed to the site, "as a precaution," police said, adding that the public were advised to avoid the area due to the disruption caused by the closure of the terminal and local roads.

"Safety and security of our passengers and staff remains our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible," the airport said in a statement on X.

Passengers posted pictures and video on social media showing large crowds waiting outside while part of the terminal is closed.

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Separately, a road was closed outside the U.S. Embassy in London on Friday after a suspicious package was found.

"Local authorities are investigating a suspicious package outside the U.S. Embassy in London. Met Police are present and have closed Ponton Road out of an abundance of caution. We will provide further updates when available," an embassy spokesperson said in a statement.