Bomb squad called as ‘innocent item’ causes hours of airport chaos
Passengers were evacuated and flights disrupted after a bomb scare closed the check-in terminals at Glasgow Airport.
Police were called just after 6am yesterday following concern over an item in a passenger's bag – with passengers only allowed back in six hours later.
Passengers arriving at the airport for departing flights faced delays while checks were carried out, with others forced to wait in the multi-story car park as police investigated. Large queues built up initially around check-in desks, however, police later moved people to the car park where emergency blankets were provided.
Hundreds were left stranded, with some missing their connecting flights and others rebooking flights at Edinburgh or Prestwick.
Two fire crews were dispatched to the scene with a Royal Navy bomb disposal unit also attending but police confirmed the suspicious item was deemed to pose no risk to the public and was “innocent in nature”.
Passengers were told to move into the car park, with check-in and central search areas closed due to the ongoing incident which saw parts of the airport close for six hours.
Those forced to wait outside were offered foil blankets and bottles of water alongside hot drinks, served up by volunteers from the Salvation Army.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 5.55am 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 reopened.”
A spokesperson for Glasgow Airport said: “Police Scotland have confirmed the incident has been stood down and our staff are now in the process of welcoming passengers back into the terminal and providing any assistance required.