A major incident was declared at London Stansted Airport this afternoon after a significant fire broke out in the main departure lounge, prompting a swift evacuation and a large-scale emergency service response.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of alarm as thick smoke began billowing from a retail unit within the terminal building. The airport's fire alarm system was activated, leading to the immediate evacuation of a section of the departure area as a precautionary measure.
Emergency Services Swing Into Action
Multiple crews from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service raced to the scene following numerous 999 calls from concerned passengers and staff. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building to tackle the blaze, which is believed to have started in a airside shop.
Videos and photos shared on social media showed passengers being moved to safety as emergency vehicles surrounded the terminal. An airport spokesperson confirmed that a full-scale emergency response was initiated to ensure the safety of all individuals in the terminal.
Travel Chaos for Passengers
The incident caused substantial disruption to the airport's operations. While the fire was brought under control, the aftermath led to delays and cancellations for departing flights. Passengers were advised to check the status of their flights with their respective airlines before travelling to the airport.
"We are working hard to resume normal operations as quickly as possible," the spokesperson added, acknowledging the inconvenience caused to travellers. The priority remains the safety and well-being of all passengers and staff.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire is not yet known and will be subject to a full investigation by the relevant authorities. There have been no reports of any serious injuries, though some individuals were assessed for the effects of smoke inhalation.
Stansted Airport, one of the UK's busiest airports, serves as a major hub for flights across Europe and is a key base for several low-cost airlines. The disruption is expected to have a knock-on effect on schedules throughout the evening.
