Hundreds of passengers were evacuated from London's Gatwick Airport early this morning due to a fire alarm being activated. Crowds were seen gathering outside the airport's north terminal, and a fire crew was pictured climbing up an escalator.
One traveller took to Twitter complaining of a "lack of guidance" from staff, posting: "Evacuated at Gatwick due to a fire alarm! Not great from the staff here as no guidance. Poor operations!"
Another wrote alongside a photo of two firefighters: "Gatwick Airport evacuation, fire alert", while a third shared a video of people milling around outside, saying: "Fire alarm at Gatwick, this is going to be fun."
As of 7.30am, passengers were being allowed back inside the airport. A Gatwick spokeswoman apologised to passengers for any inconvenience, and said the evacuation took place for a "short time".
She told the Mirror: "London Gatwick’s North Terminal 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."
Meanwhile, an easyJet flight was forced to land back at the airport this morning shortly after takeoff, before being escorted off the runway by emergency vehicles.
The evacuation comes after Unite union called off strike action that was due to take place amongst baggage handlers and ground staff at the airport this weekend. ASC workers voted in favour of a double digit pay rise, while workers at Menzies voted in favour of a 13 per cent increase for ground handling staff and a 17 per cent increase for the lowest paid staff, as well as enhancements to annual leave and sick pay.
The votes in favour of the deals mean that both disputes have now ended, and all strike action related to them cancelled, said the union. Earlier this week, strikes by Gatwick DHL workers were also called off after workers voted to accept a 15 per cent pay deal.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "These excellent results were achieved because Menzies and ASC workers at Gatwick are unionised and stood strong. Unite does what it says on the trade union tin: Defend and improve jobs, pay and conditions for our members."
Meanwhile, workers at GGS have started balloting on an improved pay offer, for which a further announcement will be made in due course, added the union.
Unite regional officer Dominic Rothwell said: "As these results demonstrate, workers looking to improve their wages and working lives should join Unite and get their colleague to do the same."
https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiWGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm1pcnJvci5jby51ay9uZXdzL3VrLW5ld3MvYnJlYWtpbmctZ2F0d2ljay1haXJwb3J0LWNoYW9zLXBhc3NlbmdlcnMtMzA1NzI4NTHSAQA?oc=5
2023-07-28 06:14:13Z
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