Gatwick Airport terminal evacuated

Part of Gatwick Airport has been evacuated after a fire alarm went off. There are fears the knock-on effects will make flight delays "inevitable" according to passengers caught up in the chaos.

Several holidaymakers took to social media to question what was happening, as many of them said they had been left in the dark. According to the passengers, the commotion took place after the alarm went off in the South terminal.

They explained that there was a "huge evacuation" and described the process as "awful". Pictures shared online showed "crazy" queues starting to form from inside the airport as people tried to leave. A large crowd was spotted outside of the venue as holidaymakers waited for information.

Confused travellers said staff told them there would be no flights departing. One shocked passenger said: "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."

Another said: "More chaos at @Gatwick_Airport following fire alarm activation, and pre-security ques building. Guess I'll be missing my flight then...." A third person commented: "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."

Someone else complained: "Fire alarm at Gatwick airport. Sounds like everyone past security has been evacuated onto tarmac, & before security crazy lines." Others said their breakfast was disrupted and have questioned whether they will seek a refund. People have since been advised to confirm their flight status ahead of time. Travel agency, Clarity, warned holidaymakers on Twitter: "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."

A London Gatwick spokesperson said: “London Gatwick’s South Terminal Departure Lounge was evacuated for a short time this morning due to a fire alarm activation. Our dedicated Airport Fire Service swiftly attended and confirmed there was no fire. Passengers are being allowed back into the Departure Lounge. Safety and security are our top priority and we resolved the situation as quickly as possible."