M23 motorway near Gatwick airport closed after ‘serious police incident’, leads to major traffic disruptions

The M23 motorway near Gatwick Airport closed early on September 10 following a serious police-led incident between junctions 8 and 9, causing significant travel disruption for motorists in the area.

According to BBC, the closure began at approximately 7:00 AM BST and resulted in both southbound and northbound lanes being shut temporarily. The northbound lane was reopened shortly after 8:00 AM.

The closure of the main artery connecting Gatwick Airport with London and the M25 motorway caused delays, with traffic slowing to a crawl in surrounding areas. Gatwick being one of the UK’s busiest airports, delays on the M23 have a ripple effect on passenger arrivals and departures, prompting officials to advise travelers to leave extra time for their journeys. Detour routes have been clearly established, diverting drivers away from the closed section via A22, A264, and other local roads through Crawley and Horley.


Surrey Police were actively on the scene managing the incident, with no immediate further details on the nature of the event released to the public. Emergency services, including traffic officers from National Highways, coordinated to ensure safety and clear the affected area as quickly as possible. Officials emphasized ongoing updates through local news outlets and traffic information services to keep the public informed.

FAQs

Q: What caused the closure of the M23 near Gatwick Airport today?
A: The closure resulted from a serious police-led incident between junctions 8 and 9; the exact details have not been publicly confirmed yet.

Q: What alternative routes should drivers use?
A: Drivers are advised to follow diversion routes via the M25, A22, and A264, passing through Crawley and Horley to bypass the closed sections.

Q: Will this incident affect Gatwick Airport operations?
A: The road closure may cause travel delays to and from Gatwick Airport; passengers are advised to add extra travel time or consider alternative transport options.