After suspicious luggage provoked a full-scale security alert, passengers traveling through Heathrow Airport encountered delays and disruption on Tuesday.
After police set a 100-meter perimeter around the suspicious luggage, the airport was forced to evacuate the whole check-in hall at Terminal 3, and travelers arriving on aircraft were prevented from crossing the border.
The backpack was allegedly stopped during standard x-ray screening, according to sources. At the time of the alert, the luggage was heading for an aircraft’s hold and was accompanied by a passenger.
The x-ray screening facility is utilized for baggage at both Terminal 3 and Terminal 5. Because bags processed at T5, which is used by British Airways, could not be security inspected, check-in was suspended at both terminals.
3hr plus clearing immigrations wait at Terminal 3 for under two hrs European flight!! Still nowhere near through #heathrowairport #terminal3 @HeathrowAirport noone giving any updates! pic.twitter.com/rIF8Xcf2PD
— Maxa (@maxa404) April 5, 2022
@HeathrowAirport why am I and several thousand other people being kettled in terminal 3 without any explanation? pic.twitter.com/uKoFnQfybb
— Sovereign Merchant (@SovereignMerch) April 5, 2022
The security alert was lifted within an hour after the Metropolitan Police Service dispatched its elite EXPO squad.
However, at that time, enormous lines had formed all throughout Heathrow. The problem is made worse by the fact that Terminal 4 is still closed due to the epidemic and won’t reopen until June.
Passengers expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of information supplied by the airport, citing long lines to pass through immigration.
A representative from Heathrow Airport has been approached for comment.
