London's Luton airport evacuated due to 'suspicious item'

LONDON - London's Luton airport was evacuated on Monday, all incoming flights cancelled and the main approach road closed off after a "suspicious item" was found during security checks, officials said.

A spokeswoman from the airport, the fifth largest in Britain, told AFP the evacuation of the main terminal building was sparked by the discovery of a "suspicious item found in the security search area".

The spokeswoman said the entire terminal building had been emptied.

"All incoming flights have been suspended and the approach road to the airport has also been closed," the airport's press office added in a statement.

"The decision has been taken with the police to ensure the safety and security of passengers and staff.

"Passengers are advised to contact their airlines to establish the status of their flights." Luton is London's fourth biggest airport in terms of passenger numbers after Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.

Total passenger traffic last year was around 9.7 million people.