LONDON — The Gatwick airport reopened for passengers on Friday afternoon after a security alert that caused widespread disruption was cleared by police.

The southern terminal of the UK's second-busiest airpoort was evacuated after police found a suspicious item in a piece of luggage.

Most flights are delayed by anywhere between one and five hours.

Some passengers have taken to social media to say they have boarded flights that have then sat on the tarmac for upwards of an hour.

By mid-afternoon, Gatwick airport said the security alert had been resolved and a security cordon around the terminal was lifted.

In a statement, the airport said: “The earlier security alert has now been resolved and cleared by police. The south terminal is reopening to staff and will be open to passengers shortly.

“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.”

It added: “There are some delays and cancellations, passengers should contact their airline for any updates on flights.”

The incident disrupted weekend travel plans for thousands of passenger. Sussex police were called to the southern terminal at 8.20 am on Friday when the suspect luggage was discovered.

The force imposed a security cordon around the terminal to ensure public safety. An explosive ordnance disposal team was deployed to the airport, as a precaution, it said.

Passengers were warned to expect significant disruption and the public were urged to avoid the area.

The aviation analytics website Cirium said 316 flights were scheduled to depart from the airport on Friday, with a total of more than 60,600 seats. A further 318 flights were scheduled to arrive, with more than 61,400 seats.

The train passenger information website National Rail Enquiries said: “The police are dealing with an incident at Gatwick airport. The station and airport are currently being evacuated.

“Services are able to run through the station and area but will not call at Gatwick airport at this time. Please avoid travelling to the station whilst this incident is ongoing. This is expected to continue until approximately 2pm.”

Pictures have come in showing people walking to the airport, as well as one passenger standing at the roadside with their thumb out, seemingly attempting to hitchhike. — Agencies