London Gatwick Airport's South Terminal was evacuated and an explosives team was called in today following reports of a "security incident".
Would-be travellers were left unable to access half of the capital's second-largest airport while investigations were underway - with footage from the scene showing hundreds of passengers stuck outside.
The airport said the "safety and security of our passengers and staff remains our top priority," adding: "We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible."
It also confirmed that flights were still arriving as normal as queues piled up on the departure side.
One of those stuck outside Gatwick was Nick Meacham, the CEO of SportsPro Media, who shared images and videos of the travel chaos on social media as it unfolded.
Witnesses said 'thousands' of people had been told to leave the South Terminal
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Further footage showed crowds piling up as passengers were barred from entering
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He said: "Arrived at London Gatwick for a routine connection. Got through customs to find out they're evacuating the entire airport.
"Even people through security are being taken outside. Trains shut down and thousands all over the streets and car parks waiting."
While another flyer, Laurence Kemball-Cook, shared footage from inside the South Terminal, where he said he and other travellers had been told not to return to the departure lounge but to stay near the gates while the incident went on.
Kemball-Cook said police had told him of the "security incident" before 10.30am, adding: "It looks like they are only evacuating the main terminal, and pushing people to the gates."
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More footage from the scene showed crowds filing out of the airport following the 'security incident'
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Another stranded traveller, Jon Hunt, told the BBC: "We were guided downstairs, nobody told us why. We were waiting for about 20 minutes on the check-in floor before someone said everyone here has to leave.
"There are now hundreds of people standing in the cold not knowing what's going on."
He told the broadcaster how he saw police with dogs entering the terminal - and said he believes the incident happened on the security bag check level as it was evacuated at least 20 minutes earlier than the one below.
The Gatwick Express, the rail shuttle service between London and the airport itself, explicitly told passengers: "Do not travel."
It said it would not be serving the airport until 2pm at the earliest due to "the police and emergency services dealing with an incident at the airport".
Southern and Thameslink services were also put on hold while the incident was dealt with.
The Gatwick Express said it would not be serving the airport 'until further notice'
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Sussex Police said officers were called to the South Terminal at 8.20am on Friday after "a suspected prohibited item" was discovered in some luggage.
An explosives team was deployed to the airport, the force added.
A statement continued: "To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with.
"This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible."
Gatwick Airport confirmed at 2.44pm that the earlier security alert had "been resolved and cleared by police".
A statement from the airport read: "Trains will also start calling at Gatwick Airport once the terminal is fully reopened.
"We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while this situation was resolved.
"Safety and security is always our top priority.
"There are some delays and cancellations, passengers should contact their airline for any updates on flights."
