Passengers at London Stansted Airport faced major disruption on Tuesday evening after a fire alarm prompted the complete evacuation of the main terminal building. The incident, which occurred during a peak travel period, led to widespread flight delays and cancellations, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded.
Chaos as Alarm Sounds
The emergency unfolded shortly before 7:30 PM when alarms blared throughout the departure lounge. Airport staff immediately initiated emergency protocols, directing everyone to evacuate the building. Social media was quickly flooded with videos showing large crowds gathering outside the terminal on the forecourt.
An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson confirmed they were called to the scene. "We received reports of a fire alarm activation at Stansted Airport. Crews attended as a precautionary measure to investigate the cause," they stated.
Travel Plans Thrown Into Disarray
The evacuation had an immediate and severe impact on flight schedules. Departing flights were held at their stands, unable to board passengers, while incoming aircraft were forced to wait on the tarmac. The knock-on effect created significant delays across the board.
A spokesperson for the airport acknowledged the disruption: "We can confirm that the terminal was temporarily evacuated this evening following a fire alarm. Our teams are working hard to resume normal operations as quickly and safely as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to passengers."
Passenger Frustration Mounts
For those caught up in the incident, the experience was fraught with frustration and uncertainty. Many travellers took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their concerns about missed flights, connections, and a lack of clear information.
One passenger tweeted, "Stuck outside Stansted Airport after a full evacuation. No information, no idea when we'll get back in. Total chaos." Another added, "Our flight is delayed indefinitely. Hope they sort this quickly."
As the situation developed, airport officials worked to screen passengers back into the terminal, but the process was slow, causing lengthy queues. The disruption serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of air travel to unexpected security and safety incidents.
