Heathrow Terminal 5 Car Fire: Vehicle Engulfed in Flames Outside Airport
A dramatic car fire erupted outside Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 in the early hours of Wednesday, 21 January 2026, sending thick, dark plumes of smoke billowing across the departures forecourt. The vehicle, parked in a prominent area of the airport, was completely engulfed in flames, creating a concerning scene for travellers and staff alike.
Swift Response and No Injuries Reported
Heathrow Airport teams responded with impressive speed to the emergency, deploying firefighting resources to extinguish the blaze quickly and efficiently. A spokesperson for Heathrow Airport confirmed that the incident resulted in no injuries to passengers, airport personnel, or members of the public. Following the successful containment of the fire, the airport resumed normal operations promptly, minimising disruption to flight schedules and passenger movements.
Second Recent Incident at London's Major Hub
This event marks the second car fire at Heathrow Airport in recent months, highlighting ongoing safety considerations at one of the world's busiest travel hubs. A previous incident occurred in October 2025 at a multi-storey car park within the airport complex, which also fortunately reported no injuries. The recurrence of such fires raises questions about vehicle safety protocols and emergency preparedness at major transportation centres.
Impact on Airport Operations and Passenger Safety
Despite the alarming visual of smoke rising from the burning car, Heathrow Airport maintained that services continued without significant interruption. The airport's emergency procedures appeared to function effectively, with teams able to:
- Quickly isolate the affected area
- Extinguish the flames before they could spread
- Ensure the safety of all individuals in the vicinity
- Restore normal operations swiftly
Video footage captured by witnesses showed the intensity of the fire, with dark smoke visible from considerable distances around Terminal 5. The incident serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance required at major airports to handle unexpected emergencies while maintaining seamless travel experiences for millions of passengers annually.
