East Midlands Airport evacuated after reports of suspicious package

Three incoming planes diverted to other airports as police investigate

(PA)

East Midlands Airport has been evacuated following reports of a suspicious package.

Approximately 3,000 passengers are understood to have been affected, with three flights headed towards the international airport diverted to land elsewhere.

The terminal was evacuated “as a precaution to enable police to carry out necessary enquiries”, an airport spokesperson said.

“It has now re-opened and we are working with the airlines to get passengers away on their flights. We thank customers for their patience and understanding,” the spokesperson added.

The device was reported to police shortly after 3.10pm, Leicestershire Police said, adding that the building was evacuated “in the interest of officer and public safety”.

“Explosive Ordnance Disposal were called to assist officers and determined the item did not pose any risk of harm to the public,” the force said in a statement.

“No criminal offences were identified, no-one has been arrested and the call was made in line with appropriate protocol.”

By around 6.15pm, flight restrictions were said to have been lifted, with airlines hoping that all eight of the flights would be able to depart.

Sarah Hartles, a passenger awaiting a flight to Rhodes, said travellers were given little information during the initial evacuation, telling ITV News: “All we were told was ‘get up and move’ ... There's nothing on the boards and no one saying anything other than no one is going anywhere.”

Another traveller, Darci Barnes, whose flight was reportedly expected to be delayed by three hours, told the broadcaster: “We were so scared, honestly”, adding: “They were giving us all water, they've been really good.”

East Midlands was the UK’s 14th busiest airport in 2021, serving 828,000 passengers, according to Civil Aviation Authority figures.