09 May 2024 , 10:36
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London Gatwick’s South Terminal has been evacuated causing travel chaos for passengers departing from the airport.
People were told to leave due to a ‘fire alarm’ this morning and this is expected to cause flight delays today.
The evacuation may also impact train services running to and from the airport and the shuttle service to the North Terminal.
Passengers on social media have reported chaotic scenes at the terminal and say staff are ‘clueless’.
Ryan Amstad wrote on X: ‘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.’
Meanwhile Annie Smith posted: ‘Fire alarm at Gatwick airport. Sounds like everyone past security has been evacuated onto the tarmac, & before security crazy lines.’
Kevin Edger said: ‘Was all very sudden and chaotic for a while. People running around everywhere and very confused. Never experienced a big evacuation at Gatwick Airport before, don’t want to again.’
The airport posted on X: ‘Our dedicated Airport Fire Service swiftly attended and confirmed there was no fire.
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. pic.twitter.com/DfNx2Cs4nq
— Ryan Amstad (@ryanamstad) May 9, 2024
@Gatwick_Airport fire alarm sounded and whole terminal evacuated! Any idea what’s going on? pic.twitter.com/d4lH3JdgtT
— Ellie (@eotphonehome) May 9, 2024
Was all very sudden and chaotic for a while. People running around everywhere and very confused. Never experienced a big evacuation at Gatwick Airport before, don’t want to again! pic.twitter.com/SkKEYlM9jQ
— Kevin Edger (@KEdge23) May 9, 2024
One video shows passengers slowly moving out as a fire alarm sounds in the background.
Despite people being allowed back into the terminal, authorities have warned people to check the status of their flight before travelling to the airport.
Travel agency Clarity posted: ‘Clarity advises travellers flying to from or through London Gatwick Airport to confirm their flight status in advance of departure and allow additional time for processing through the airport.’