Panic swept through London Stansted Airport on Wednesday afternoon as a blazing fire alarm forced the complete evacuation of the departure lounge, bringing all outbound flights to a grinding halt.
Hundreds of passengers were abruptly ordered to leave the terminal, spilling out onto the aircraft aprons in a scene of confusion and alarm. Eyewitnesses described a "chaotic" atmosphere as urgent safety announcements blared across the concourse.
Terminal Left Deserted
The incident, which occurred shortly after 3 PM, saw the busy international hub transform into a ghost town within minutes. Travellers were forced to abandon their luggage and duty-free purchases as they followed emergency protocols.
One passenger, Sarah Jenkins, told reporters: "It was absolutely surreal. One minute we were queuing for coffee, the next we're being hurried outside by staff. People were genuinely frightened, especially with everyone talking about a fire."
Emergency Response in Full Force
Essex Fire and Rescue Service scrambled multiple units to the scene following reports of smoke within the terminal building. Airport officials later confirmed the alarm was triggered by a "small, isolated fire" that was quickly extinguished.
Despite the swift containment, the disruption was severe. All departing flights were suspended indefinitely, creating a domino effect of delays and cancellations that stretched into the evening rush hour.
Travel Plans in Turmoil
The suspension left thousands of passengers stranded, with many facing uncertain alternative arrangements. Airport staff worked to manage crowds and provide information, but frustration mounted as the scale of the disruption became clear.
Key impacts included:
- Complete suspension of all departing flights
- Significant delays to incoming aircraft
- Lengthy queues for rebooking and information
- Extended wait times for security re-screening
A Stansted Airport spokesperson stated: "The safety of our passengers and staff is our absolute priority. We are working to resume normal operations as quickly as possible and apologise for any inconvenience caused."
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of air travel infrastructure and the swift action required when safety is compromised.
