Controlled Explosion After London Luton Airport Evacuated in Bomb Scare

A bomb disposal team was sent to Luton Airport after a “suspicious item” was found in the departure lounge earlier this afternoon. A controlled explosion was carried out, but police said the item did not present a wider danger.

The entire terminal was evacuated while Bedfordshire Police sent for a bomb disposal unit, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded outside and disrupting air travel for thousands more.

Crowds at #Luton airport right now. Area around the terminal building has been cleared and bomb disposal has arrived pic.twitter.com/Dk3zCuEiRp

— Roxanne (@roxanny_) September 8, 2014

A bomb disposal bus was spotted entering the terminal, and a controlled explosion took place at 5.15pm.

Bomb disposal van moving pic.twitter.com/EKlWQKq6td

— gavindjharper (@gavindjharper) September 8, 2014

Incoming flights were suspended and passengers have been advised to contact their airlines to establish the status of their flights. Several Luton flights have been diverted to Stansted and Birmingham.

The approach road to the airport was also closed, leading to gridlock on the M1.

"London Luton Airport has evacuated the terminal building after a suspicious item was found in the security search area. The decision has been taken with the police to ensure the safety and security of passengers and staff," Luton Airport said in a statement on their website.

Luton is the UK’s sixth largest airport and primarily caters for short-haul flights by budget airlines.

Bedfordshire Police released the following statement:

“London Luton Airport is in the process of reopening following a security alert that took place earlier this afternoon.

“Officers were called to the departure terminal at 1.36pm after airport security raised concerns about an item that was passed through a security check in keeping with the airport’s policies and procedures.”

“A controlled explosion was conducted at 5.15pm and it was confirmed that the item destroyed, although deemed suspicious, did not present a wider danger.”

They also confirmed that no one had been arrested in relation to the incident.