- Flight Disruptions
- East Midlands Airport security alert delays Jet2 and Ryanair flights
East Midlands Airport security alert delays Jet2 and Ryanair flights
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on May 28, 2026
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Affected airports
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Affected airlines
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Affected airports
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Affected airlines
Disruption overview
East Midlands Airport temporarily paused departures and evacuated its passenger terminal on 26 May 2026 after security equipment flagged a checked bag. The alert delayed flights including a Jet2 service to Chania and Ryanair departures to Faro, Knock, and Murcia. No cancellations were reported, and the luggage was declared harmless shortly after 11:00 am.
If you were caught up in the disruption, the wait and uncertainty were understandably stressful. Because the delay was caused by a security incident outside the airline's control, compensation under EC 261 is usually unlikely, but airlines should still provide care and assistance during longer delays.
Disruption details
Departures from East Midlands Airport were temporarily paused and the passenger terminal was evacuated on the morning of 26 May 2026 after security-screening equipment flagged a piece of checked luggage.
For passengers, this meant being asked to leave the terminal during the busy morning period while outbound flights were put on hold. Several aircraft that were already boarding had to remain on stand, turning what should have been routine departures into a long and uncertain wait.
Among the flights hit by the delay were a Jet2 service to Chania in Crete and Ryanair departures to Faro, Knock, and Murcia. No cancellations were reported, but the departures board showed rolling delays across several short-haul leisure routes as the hold-up spread through the morning schedule.
The disruption began when the bag was intercepted during routine X-ray screening. East Midlands Airport activated its emergency procedures and cleared the terminal as a precaution while specialist security teams examined the luggage and checked its contents.
Investigators confirmed the item was harmless shortly after 11:00 am, around 2 hours after the initial alert. Passengers were then allowed back into the building, and departures started moving again as normal operations gradually returned through the late morning.
The airport in Castle Donington apologized for the disruption and said safety remained its top priority. No injuries were reported, and the impact was limited to the morning wave of flights before the airport returned to normal later the same day.
If you were affected, the delay and uncertainty were understandably frustrating, especially if you were already at the gate or ready to board. But because the disruption was caused by a security incident outside the airline's control, compensation under EC 261 is usually unlikely.
That doesn't mean you're without support. During longer delays, airlines should still provide care and assistance, which can include food, refreshments, and help if your journey needs to be rearranged or runs overnight.
If you want to understand what applies to your trip, you can use AirHelp's free flight checker to review your rights and see whether any support may be available.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delay
Cause
Other
Status
Past disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Airlines affected
Jet2.com, Ryanair
Airports affected
East Midlands Airport
Cities affected
Castle Donington, Leicestershire
Countries affected
United Kingdom
Start date
2026-05-26
End date
2026-05-26
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
May 28, 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
