Gatwick terminal reopens after bomb scare evacuation

Gatwick airport's south terminal reopened for passengers yesterday afternoon after a security alert that caused disruption for thousands.

- Matthew Weaver

Travellers were unable to check in for more than four hours after the terminal building was evacuated as bomb disposal experts responded to reports of a suspected prohibited item in the luggage area.

By mid-afternoon, Gatwick airport said the security alert had been resolved and a security cordon around the terminal was lifted.

The scare caused frustration and alarm to the evacuated passengers, many of whom were handed foil blankets as temperatures hovered barely above freezing.

Brian Torres, 22, who was visiting from New York, was preparing to go through security checks when he was ordered to evacuate. He said: "I just want to get back home to talk to my mom. It's scary. They're not informing us about anything."