Gatwick Airport Train Station Evacuated Following Imitation Firearms Incident
British Transport Police have confirmed the arrest of a man in possession of two imitation firearms at Gatwick Airport railway station, leading to a significant evacuation and widespread travel disruption. The incident occurred on Thursday, February 20, 2026, causing chaos for passengers rushing to catch flights at one of the UK's busiest transport hubs.
Police Response and Arrest Details
According to official statements, British Transport Police received a report at 12:45pm regarding a man on board a train from Brighton allegedly carrying a firearm. Officers from Sussex Police met the train upon its arrival at Gatwick Airport station shortly after 1:25pm, where they detained and arrested the individual. The suspect was found to be in possession of two imitation firearms, prompting an immediate investigation by British Transport Police.
The station was swiftly evacuated as a precautionary measure, with police sealing off the area to ensure public safety. One passenger described the scene as "chaos," noting that while the station reopened relatively quickly, substantial crowds had gathered, exacerbating the disruption.
Major Travel Disruption and Service Suspensions
The incident brought train services to a standstill at Gatwick Airport station, which typically handles approximately 60,000 passengers daily. Gatwick Express, Thameslink, and Southern Rail all confirmed temporary suspensions, with lines closed and trains unable to stop at the station during the police operation.
Gatwick Airport issued an alert shortly before 1:40pm, stating: "Due to an ongoing incident, train services are currently not stopping at Gatwick Airport. Passengers should check services before travelling and leave more time to complete their journey." This left numerous travelers facing delays and a frantic rush to reach their flights on time.
Service Resumption and Ongoing Delays
Following the arrest and clearance of the scene, all rail operators announced that lines had reopened through Gatwick Airport station. In a joint statement on social media, Gatwick Express, Thameslink, and Southern Rail confirmed: "All lines are now open through Gatwick Airport and trains can call here once more."
However, the operators cautioned that while normal routes had been restored, journey times could still be extended due to the earlier disruption. Passengers were advised to allow an additional 30 minutes to reach their destinations as services worked to return to their regular schedules.
This incident highlights the significant impact that security alerts can have on critical transport infrastructure, particularly at major airports like Gatwick, where timely connections are essential for air travel. British Transport Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the possession of imitation firearms and the motives behind the incident.
