False Alarm event in United Kingdom on Sat 20th June 2026

Glasgow holidaymakers using Edinburgh Airport face long queues on Saturday morning, after the terminal reopened following a major security alert that prompted an evacuation and hours of disruption.

Emergency services were called to the busy airport, often used by Glasgow travellers, at around 6.50pm on Friday, June 19, following reports of potentially suspicious items within the terminal building. Specialist officers attended the incident and established a cordon while an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team was deployed to assess the items.

The airport was partially evacuated, roads surrounding the site were closed and flights were disrupted as investigations took place.

Officers later confirmed that the item has been made safe by EOD specialists and that the incident is not being treated as suspicious, reports the Daily Record.

Edinburgh Airport announced shortly after 3am on Saturday that it had reopened and was working to restore normal operations as quickly as possible. However, airport officials warned that the incident would have knock-on effects throughout the day.

Passengers arriving at the airport on Saturday morning encountered lengthy queues extending outside the terminal building as staff worked to manage the backlog.

Holidaymaker Christina Hendry said she had been waiting almost one hour in a queue outside and hadn't gotten through security.

She said: "I’ve never seen queues like it at Edinburgh airport this morning. Queuing all the way down to the bus stances to get into the airport. Staff now setting up belt barriers.

"Arrived almost an hour ago and still waiting to get through security."

In a statement, Edinburgh Airport said: "Following investigations by specialist teams, the airport has now reopened.

"We recognise the frustration this incident will have caused and thank everyone for their patience and understanding – safety will always come first.

"This incident will have knock-on impacts throughout today and staff are working hard to address these and support passengers.

"Operational teams are continuing to work to restore normal services as quickly as possible.

"Please check with your airline for the latest information on your flight."

Police confirmed that roads around the airport remained busy on Saturday and urged members of the public to remain patient while normal services resumed.

No further details have been released regarding the nature of the items that triggered the security response.

Several flights were spotted circling the city before being forced to divert to nearby UK airports on Friday evening.