Glasgow Airport reopens after suspect item turns out to be 'innocent'

The airport was evacuated after police were called out on Monday morning

Author: Paul KellyPublished 5th Dec 2022

Passengers are being allowed back into Glasgow Airport after a suspicious item, which saw hundreds of people evacuated and dozens of flights delayed, turned out to be harmless.

Police Scotland was called out to the airport at around 6am on Monday following a report of a suspicious item in the security hall.

Passengers were at first kept out of security, with long queues building up in the terminal, before everyone was told to leave the building entirely.

Three Royal Navy bomb disposal vehicles were seen parked outside the terminal.

But shortly after midday it was confirmed the incident had been stood down and passengers began making their way back into the terminal.

A spokesman for Glasgow Airport said: “Police Scotland have confirmed this morning’s incident has been stood down and our staff are now in the process of welcoming passengers back into the terminal and providing any assistance where required.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our passengers for their continued patience.”

READ MORE: Glasgow Airport security lockdown after suspect bag found

A Police Scotland spokesperson said:

“Around 5.55 am on Monday, 5 December 2022, police were called to a report of a suspicious item within the security search hall of Glasgow Airport.

“As a precautionary measure, and in accordance with procedures, the check-in and security search hall areas were closed to the public and a cordon implemented.

“Following examination of the item by the Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team (EOD) it was confirmed that it posed no risk to the public and was innocent in nature.

“All areas of the airport are in the process of being re-opened.”

North Ayrshire and Arran MP Patricia Gibson was one of those caught up in the situation. She told Forth 1 News: “The airport staff have been looking after people as best they can, but it’s a very cold day, and people have been out here for hours.

“They were distributing blankets and foil blankets just to keep people warm.

“Everybody hopes the situation will get resolved quickly, they’re getting bumped on to later flights.”

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