A swarm of bees caused an unusual disruption at Gatwick Airport after settling around a departure gate.
The gate had to be closed for six hours on Sunday afternoon while dozens of bees gathered in the area.
Beekeepers were called in to deal with the swarm and eventually managed to coax the bees safely away from the airport.
The incident led to the temporary closure of the gate, although the bees were removed without harm.
Swarms can happen when a colony divides and a queen leaves the hive with a large number of worker bees to find a new home. While the sight of a swarm can be alarming, experts say bees are usually not aggressive when swarming, as they are focused on protecting the queen and finding a suitable place to settle.
Airport staff acted quickly to keep passengers away from the affected area while the beekeepers worked to move the insects safely.
The unusual visitors were eventually relocated, allowing the gate to reopen after the six-hour closure.
The incident has been described as a rare and unexpected interruption to airport operations, with beekeepers praised for handling the situation safely.
It was a strange sight for passengers, but one that ended safely for both travellers and the bees.
Get the latest BREAKING NEWS for the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today!
V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.
Man charged following exposure reports in Brighton
Why dogs are banned from beaches in the South in the summer
Jemma the sloth is settling in at Marwell Zoo
Brighton academics win national film award for documentary revealing private world of iconic designer
Crawley domestic abuser jailed for violent assault on woman
Appeal to identify man who may have information about woman's death in Eastbourne
MISSING: Mark James, 60, from Cowes
Crawley Town FC head coach suffers racial abuse at match
Murder investigation launched following death at central Brighton address
Footage and information sought following fatal collision in Ticehurst
On Air