A security scare at Edinburgh Airport caused disruption for hundreds of passengers on Tuesday night. A breach was discovered in the airport’s perimeter fence, causing police to shut down the terminal while security checks were carried out. Passengers already waiting to board flights had to be re-processed by security officials.

The airport is now fully operational, but 11 planes had to remain on the tarmac for around two hours and the terminal evacuated while Lothian and Borders police investigated the problem. According to Gordon Robertson, an airport spokesman, the incident took place at a time when the airport was particularly busy.

He added that although some passengers waiting to collect their luggage decided to leave the airport without their belongings, all those who were meant to land did so as well as those who were supposed to take off. The airport is currently working with airlines to make sure that all passengers are reunited with their baggage.

One of those delayed on a plane was Pete Wishart, MP for the SNP. He said that the disruption was made worse because a number of flights out of Heathrow had already been cancelled because of weather problems. He added that he had already been placed onto a later flight than the one he had originally booked.

Another passenger said she had waited to disembark for over an hour after landing at Edinburgh. She added that the crew had told passengers that there would be a delay, but not explained why.