In a startling turn of events on Friday, Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal was thrown into disarray following the discovery of a suspicious package. The security scare led to a rapid evacuation of the terminal, prompting immediate police action and resulting in two individuals being temporarily detained for questioning.

The evacuation commenced at approximately 10:55 GMT, as concerns over the package escalated. An explosive ordnance disposal team was swiftly deployed to assess the situation and ensure the area was safe. Fortunately, Sussex Police later announced that the detained individuals had been released and allowed to continue their travels, but the repercussions of the incident lingered.

Passengers at the airport faced significant disruption, with many, including tired and cold travelers, stranded outside the terminal in near-freezing conditions. John Mather, who arrived from Costa Rica during this chaotic situation, expressed his frustration, stating that there was a distinct lack of communication from airport and security personnel while awaiting further instructions.

Giving insight into the ordeal, Mather recounted, 'They bussed us to the North Terminal, where we went through immigration and picked up our bags, but there was zero assistance.' With train services suspended temporarily, he lamented having to walk to a station in Horley, more than half an hour away.

As the situation developed, other travelers were equally dismayed. Gabriele Lecce shared his disappointment after being informed of a major issue just minutes before his intended flight to Rome. 'Fifteen minutes later, we saw the police coming and they evacuated us – it’s freezing out here,' he told onlookers.

Among the multitude of affected passengers were Emily Fisher and her friends, who were forced to fork out £1,200 for new, emergency tickets to Budapest from Luton Airport due to the lockdown situation. 'We arrived at Gatwick at 11:00, and the scene was chaotic with hundreds of us outside, yet nobody had clear information,' she said.

Travel expert Simon Calder provided insight into the scale of disruption, mentioning that around 100,000 travelers were expected at Gatwick that day, with a significant portion navigating through the South Terminal.

Despite the challenges, many air travelers were 'cautiously optimistic' as they began boarding shuttle trains to return to the South Terminal. Eighteen-year-old Alaia, who was trying to return home to Barcelona, voiced her concerns, stating, 'Until we’re safely on the plane, we can’t relax. With so many flights delayed, I worry some might not depart at all.'

As operations slowly resumed and the terminal reopened, Gatwick Airport personnel urged passengers to verify their flight statuses before heading to the airport, reminding everyone to stay vigilant while authorities continue to investigate the incident. The airport’s response highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining security and communication during high-stress situations, and travelers are left reflecting on the day’s chaotic events.