Major UK airport evacuated with ‘inevitable’ flight delays for passengers

LONDON Gatwick Airport South terminal has been evacuated with scores of frustrated passengers forced outside.

Holidaymakers at the popular airport were told to leave after a “fire alarm” went off.

4

4

4

Gatwick Airport have confirmed that the South Terminal Departure Lounge was evacuated for a short time “due to a fire alarm activation”.

But “no fire” was found after the Airport Fire Service team swept the scene.

Gatwick representatives have said they are now “processing remaining passengers back through security” as quick as they can.

However, there are fears the knock-on effects will make flight delays “inevitable” according to passengers caught up in the chaos, reports the Times.

Holidaymakers are still awaiting details but it is thought that the evacuation may affect train services to the airport and the shuttle to the North Terminal.

In one video, a fire alarm announcement can be heard going off as confused travellers pick up their belongings.

Another shows groups of holidaymakers milling through Gatwick as they attempt to make their way outside.

One passenger at the airport, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Incredible. A fire alarm at Gatwick Airport and staff are as clueless as guests as to the procedures on how to safely exit.

“No fire Marshalls, signage pointing the wrong way.

“Eventually found a way out. Awful.”

Other videos shared online described the scene at Gatwick as “chaos”.

Some have also missed their flights due to being hemmed into an outside area with no news on when they’ll be allowed back in, it’s been claimed.

But Gatwick Airport told The Sun “there are no delays of note” and that “some flights were held to ensure no one missed their flight”.

A London Gatwick Airport spokesman said: “The South Terminal Departure Lounge was evacuated for a short time due to a fire alarm activation.

“Our dedicated Airport Fire Service swiftly attended and confirmed there was no fire. Passengers are being allowed back into the Departure Lounge.

“Safety and security are our top priority and we resolved the situation as quickly as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience.”