Bomb squad and explosive disposal unit called to Glasgow Airport – leaving passengers stranded

Thousands of passengers have missed flights and have been forced to rebook their holidays after Glasgow Airport closed for six hours today while the bomb squad investigated a ‘suspicious package’.

Police said the decision to close check-in and security halls was a precautionary measure, after they were called to the scene about 6am.

Stranded passengers were initially moved to the multi-storey car park nearby awaiting further instructions. By about midday, the airport had reopened, but many flights from this morning had already been cancelled.

LoganAir, EasyJet, British Airways and RyanAir were among airlines forced to cancel more than a dozen flights, sparking chaos as stranded customers try to get a seat on planes leaving later today.

Several flights due to arrive this morning were diverted to other airports.  

Pictures from the scene show crowds wrapped in foil and blankets to keep warm, while a Salvation Army truck handed out warm drinks.

The Royal Navy bomb disposal unit was pictured on the scene at about 11am, while Police Scotland  also said: ‘The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) is in attendance and a cordon is now in place.’

Police said the decision to close check-in and security halls was a precautionary measure as investigations are ongoing, after they were called to the scene about 6am this morning

Officers helped airport staff manage traffic and two ambulances and two fire appliances have also been spotted parked outside the terminal building entrance.

The terminal has since reopened.

A spokesman for Glasgow Airport said: ‘This morning’s incident has been stood down and staff are now in the process of welcoming passengers back into the terminal and providing any assistance where required.

Police Scotland said: ‘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.’

But many passengers had already made their way home in buses and taxis, after some claimed on social media they’d been instructed to ‘go home and re-book a new flight’.

LoganAir, EasyJet and British Airways were among airlines forced to cancel flights

Glasgow central MP Alison Thewliss said she and her colleagues were heading to London this morning when she was caught up in the drama. 

‘It’s been a wee bit chaotic this morning,’ she said.

‘It’s not ideal to have people outside in very cold temperatures this morning… I know people were being given blankets to keep them warm. It would’ve been more useful to have information warning people not to come to the airport… It would’ve been more useful to have people told in advance.’

A large part of the terminal remains closed while safety checks are being carried out. Passengers have been warned to expect delays.

LoganAir, EasyJet and British Airways were among airlines forced to cancel flights. One customer thanked British Airways for working quickly to get a new flight organised for them

A statement from Glasgow Airport said: ‘At approximately 6am, Police Scotland attended the airport due to concern around an item in a passenger’s bag in the central search area.

‘Access to this part of the terminal is currently restricted while checks are being carried out meaning passengers arriving at the airport for departing flights will face delays.

‘We are liaising with Police Scotland and will provide an update as soon as we can.’

The Police Scotland spokesperson said: ‘Police and emergency services are currently in attendance at an ongoing incident at Glasgow Airport.

‘The terminal building has been closed as a precaution, however, not evacuated. No further details available at this time.’

A bomb squad robot was also pictured at the scene, after police confirmed the Explosive Disposal Unit were called in

Crowds gathered at Glasgow Airport this morning without realising the check-in area had been closed. Shortly after, passengers were directed to the nearby car park