Gatwick security has been praised for acting quickly when a man tried to go through a staff search area openly carrying a knife in each hand.
Sussex police said the 30-year-old from Crawley was arrested following the incident at Gatwick in the early hours of Monday morning and has been detained under the Mental Health Act while an investigation continues.
He had tried to pass through a staff search area in the South Terminal but was challenged by officers, who used taser to detain him.
Police said the incident is not being treated as terrorist-related.
The man, who was not a travelling passenger, has been arrested on suspicion of possessing offensive weapons, affray and making threats to kill.
Superintendent Justin Burtenshaw said: "Officers at Gatwick are there to keep passengers and staff safe. This incident was dealt with swiftly and no members of the public or police were harmed."
Anyone who saw what happened or who may have other relevant information is asked to contact Sussex Police online or phone 101, quoting serial 0089 of 03/06.
