LONDON – Passengers at one of the world's busiest airports faced major disruption this afternoon as a full-scale emergency evacuation was triggered at Heathrow's Terminal 3.
The dramatic scenes unfolded shortly after 1:30 PM when airport authorities received reports of a potential hazardous material within the terminal building. Armed police and specialist hazardous materials officers were swiftly deployed to the scene as a precautionary measure.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as hundreds of travellers were hurriedly escorted from the building. "There was a sudden announcement telling everyone to evacuate immediately," said one passenger awaiting a flight to New York. "People were confused but moving quickly – you could see the armed police securing the area."
Emergency Response in Action
The London Fire Brigade confirmed multiple units responded to the incident, including their hazardous materials team. A spokesperson stated: "We were called at approximately 1:35 PM to reports of a hazardous substance. Crews are currently in attendance working with airport authorities."
Heathrow Airport officials implemented their emergency protocols, diverting flights and halting all operations within the terminal. The evacuation affected both departing and arriving passengers, causing significant knock-on effects across the airport's operations.
Travel Disruption Widespread
The incident caused substantial travel disruption during the busy afternoon period. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for flight status updates and to allow extra time for their journeys if travelling through Heathrow.
Social media quickly filled with images and videos showing crowded areas outside the terminal as passengers waited for further instructions. Many expressed frustration at the lack of immediate information, though most understood the necessity of the safety measures.
By late afternoon, authorities began a controlled re-entry process after determining the area was safe. An investigation into the initial report is ongoing, with airport security teams reviewing CCTV footage and witness statements.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the robust security protocols in place at UK transport hubs and their ability to respond swiftly to potential threats.
