Travel chaos erupted at East Midlands Airport today after an emergency incident forced authorities to suspend all flights, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
Reports indicate a serious issue on the runway prompted the shutdown, though officials have yet to confirm specifics. The airport's live departure board shows multiple cancellations and delays across all carriers.
Passenger Frustration Mounts
"We were about to board when suddenly everything stopped," said one frustrated traveler. "No one's giving us clear answers about when we might get away."
Airport staff are directing affected passengers to customer service desks, where queues have stretched across the terminal. Many travelers face the prospect of overnight stays as alternative flight options dwindle.
Ground Transport Alternatives
With flights grounded indefinitely, rail services from nearby stations are experiencing surge demand. National Rail has confirmed extra capacity on routes to London, Birmingham and Manchester.
Local taxi firms report being overwhelmed with requests, with some quoting wait times of over three hours for airport pickups.
What Passengers Should Do
- Check with your airline for specific flight updates
- Consider rail alternatives where possible
- Contact travel insurance providers about compensation
- Monitor airport social media for real-time updates
The airport has promised further updates within the hour as engineers assess the situation. Travelers are advised to allow extra time and prepare for continued disruption throughout the evening.
