Gatwick Airport chaos as mass evacuation leaves frustrated passengers stuck outside in ‘absolute shambles’
A MASS evacuation at Gatwick Airport has caused chaos with frustrated passengers stuck outside.
Travellers have branded it an “absolute shambles” after sirens were heard throughout the terminals at the London airport.
Images and footage shared on social media show cast crowds of people milling about outside the airport’s North Terminal this morning following reports of a fire alarm.
The South Terminal has also been evacuated, according to reports.
Footage shared by sports journalist Michael Hincks, who was waiting for a flight, shows the airport completely empty.
In the caption for the video he said: “Never too old for an airport first. Whole of Gatwick north terminal evacuated after a fire alarm…
“Fire engine has arrived but no sign of fire. Safe to say the reaction of staff means this doesn’t happen often… “
Another passenger, who was getting ready for his breakfast, shared an image of crowds huddled under a bridge.
He wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Evacuated from Gatwick North just as my breakfast was going to arrive. Absolute shambles here, no information, people just standing about, no sign of any staff. FFS.”
A London Gatwick spokesperson said in a statement: “London Gatwick’s North Terminal Departure Lounge was evacuated for a short time this morning due to a fire alarm being activated.
“As always, safety and security are our number one priority. We apologise to passengers for any inconvenience.”
Towards the end of September this year, the airport was forced to cancel more than 150 flights for the rest of the week after a Covid outbreak among its staff.
There was also chaos at the airport in August as a runway was temporarily closed and flights diverted with fire engines seen rushing to scene.