A Gatwick Airport terminal was ‘evacuated after the fire alarm sounded’ this morning (Thursday, May 9). Evacuees are slowly being reprocessed after no fire was found but countless passengers tweeted that the South Terminal has been emptied, with many saying they have no idea what is happening.
Adam said: “Everyone at Gatwick South being sent back through departures. Staff saying all flights not departing.” He later added: “Fire alarm at Gatwick South terminal. Evacuated all passengers from Airside, no staff know what’s going on. No coordination from anyone at the airport. Fun day.”
However, Gatwick has issued a statement about the evacuation on X confirming that there was no fire and that evacuated passengers are now being reprocessed through back through security: “Our South Terminal Departure Lounge was evacuated this morning following a fire alarm activation.
“Our dedicated Airport Fire Service attended and confirmed there was no fire. The Departure Lounge is now open again and we are processing remaining passengers back through security as quickly as we can. Huge thanks to everyone cooperating this morning, and to the Fire Service for their swift attendance.”
In the meantime many customers were confused by the evacuation chaos. On X, Ellie said: “@Gatwick_Airport fire alarm sounded and whole terminal evacuated! Any idea what’s going on?”
Ryan said: “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.”
The issues appear to have started around half an hour ago.
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