Explosives detected in a suitcase in Perpignan: airport evacuated, deminers on site and passenger in police custody… what we know

Aucun risque n'est pris dans ce type de situation. Illustration MAXPPP – Sebastien JARRY

A major security system was deployed this Tuesday, February 27 at Perpignan airport in the Pyrénées-Orientales. A man was arrested by the police and the Montpellier deminers intervened.

Panic at Perpignan airport in the Pyrénées-Orientales this Tuesday, February 27. Explosives were detected by X-rays in a passenger's cabin baggage and the alert was immediately raised.

Suspicious baggage

During screening, a piece of luggage caught the attention of airport security services. Explosives were reportedly detected by Blue.

Some 200 people evacuated

Perpignan airport was evacuated: some 200 people (including 150 travelers who were to board a Ryanait flight to Agadir in Morocco) left the scene hastily while waiting for the arrival of the deminers.

Passengers stranded at the end of the runway

After the airport was evacuated, the plane arriving from Agadir landed and remained at the end of the runway with the passengers on board and waited for the action of the deminers.

Montpellier deminers on site

Around midday, the Montpellier bomb squad arrived on site and after the usual security checks they were able to detonate the suspicious luggage. 

A few minutes later, the security perimeter was lifted and the airport could be reopened.

A man arrested and taken into custody

The man who carried the suitcase would be of Italian nationality. He was arrested and taken into police custody.