Manchester T1 closed due to 'suspicious bag'

Posted 22/09/2011

Eleven flights were delayed and up to 1,800 passengers disrupted yesterday when Manchester Airport was evacuated after a bag was found abandoned in the main security area of terminal one.

Police ordered a complete evauation of the terminal building while they investigated the bag. The airport was given the all-clear to re-open T1 shortly after midday.

However, the airport warned that there might still be disruption due to knock-on effects from yesterday's closure and passengers due to fly from T1 are being told to contact their airline for flight information.

The airport issued the following statement: "A suspicious bag was being investigated at the main security search area but we will be looking to return the operation to normal over the next few hours.

"We again remind our passengers that we take security very seriously, and that an evacuation is a standard precautionary measure to ensure the safety of our passengers and staff.

We encourage passengers to contact their airline for the latest information if travelling today.”

Passengers due to fly from T1 had been told to turn up as normal during the closure, but up to 11 flights due to take off from the terminal were disrupted. Flights were landing as normal.

Terminals two and three have not been affected.

By Linsey McNeill

Originally published 22 Sep 2011 at: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/398/f/5923/s/18b03297/l/0L0Stravelmole0N0Cstories0C11494620Bphp0Dmpnlog0F1/story01.htm