Bee Swarm Removed from Gatwick Airport Gate
A swarm of bees was safely removed from a gate at Gatwick Airport after settling around the area on Sunday afternoon.
Dozens of bees gathered near the gate before beekeepers were called in to coax them away from the airport premises.
Gerry James, a member of the Reigate Beekeepers Association, reported that the removal process took approximately six hours.
A Gatwick Airport spokesperson confirmed that no flights were delayed due to the swarm and expressed gratitude towards the local beekeeping community for their assistance.
Beekeeper's Experience and Airport's Approach
James mentioned that he receives about "four or five calls a year" from Gatwick regarding bees. He described his reaction to being called to the airport as:
"like a little child in a sweet shop"
He added,
"It's very exciting."
James also noted the pressure involved in the task, stating,
"You are under pressure until you finish because you know the gate is out of action."
He praised Gatwick Airport for their environmental awareness, saying,
"Gatwick is to be congratulated for what they do with the bees. They are very concerned about nature."
Removal Process and Aftercare
After passing his tools through airport security, James used a nuc box, which serves as a "mini-hive" for storing and transporting bees, to remove the swarm.
He returned later in the evening to collect any remaining bees that had come back to the airport.
The bees will now be housed at one of the beekeepers association's training apiaries, where novice beekeepers learn their craft.
Contact and Follow-Up
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