Gatwick Airport fire: hundreds evacuated as alarms cause fire engines to arrive - what happened at the London airport?

Gatwick Airport was evacuated this morning (Monday 2 October) with passengers left confused and not knowing what was happening.

Paul Fleming posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that Gatwick Airport’s emergency procedures are an “utter shambles” as “half the emergency exits” were “closed” and staff “didn’t know what they were doing”.

Hundreds of people were pictured crowding outside the North Terminal.

Witnesses reported hearing a fire alarm before staff directed them outside, with a video posted to social media by one traveller showing the interior nearly deserted.

Posting on X, journalist Michael Hincks said the building was evacuated after a fire alarm.

He added that it appeared this "doesn’t happen often", given the reaction of airport staff.

He wrote: "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..."

And Marcus Austin said: "Off on holiday for a few days. First the plane is delayed two hours and now a fire alarm has put Gatwick North Terminal out of action."

Jeff Lightfoot said there was a "lack of information" about why people were being evacuated.

He said: "Fire alarm evacuation - Gatwick North Terminal. Lack of information but sheep mentality has kicked in."

While Paul Quinn also posted on X: “What is happening with the fire alarm in North Terminal - no announcements.”

Mr Hincks posted 10 minutes later stating the fire alarm had ended.

He said: "People cheered and clapped the fire alarm ending. Let the scramble back in begin...?"

In a second follow-up, the journalist said he spotted a fire truck as passengers were funnelled back into the building.

He added: "Back into Gatwick North Terminal we go, past a fire engine. Which I guess is reassuring?"

Gatwick Airport confirmed on X that the terminal was evacuated this morning after a fire alarm was activated.

A London Gatwick spokesperson posted on the social media platform: “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.”