Thousands of passengers suffered delays after being evacuated outside, with many given thermal blankets and foil amid freezing temperatures.
Elderly couples were seen hugging each other to keep warm.
A specialist bomb squad, accompanied by sniffer dogs, was called in to investigate the item.
Passengers on board incoming flights were ordered to remain in their seats on the tarmac.
Gatwick's South Terminal was evacuated just before 11am, although the North Terminal was operating as nor mal. Up to 100,000 passengers had been expected to fly in and out of the airport yesterday.
Delays
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