Security scare shuts down part of Heathrow

A major security scare led to the closure of one of Heathrow Airport’s two run-ways earlier today. According to media reports, an unidentified man, who was described as “appearing to be Arab or Asian” climbed over Heathrow’s 4.5 meter high security fence and made a dash for the busy hub’s runway. The man seemed to be chasing an airplane that was just about to take off from the runway, but since the aircraft was still taxiing and had not yet begun the take-off process, the departure was immediately halted. Heathrow authorities quickly shut down the effected runway, while keeping the other one open. Scotland Yard’s armed officers arrived rapidly to the scene of the incident and after some resistance from the suspect, they were able to take the man into custody.

The man reportedly had two backpacks with him and he threw these onto the runway. Both bags were promptly destroyed—through a controlled detonation—but potentially dangerous items were not believed to have been in these knapsacks. Police officers were able to respond to the incident with unusual speed, mainly because they were already on the scene, in preparation for tomorrow’s official opening of Heathrow’s glitzy Terminal 5 by Queen Elizabeth II. Buckingham Palace promptly sent out a press release following the incident, noting that the British monarch’s visit would occur according to schedule and that she would not be deterred from attending, despite today’s security scare.

The effected runway was reopened in the late evening hours, after police officials were able to determine that the security breach posed no threat to passengers or flights. Scotland Yard has also confirmed that the incident was not related to terrorism.

Heathrow is Britain’s busiest airport and serves as a gateway for all of Europe. More than 1,400 flights take off and land from this London hub each day, and the airport is currently using around 98 percent of its total capacity.

www.heathrowairport.com