A power surge at Stansted Airport has caused major disruption, with passengers facing long queues at security and immigration and significant baggage delays. The incident, which occurred on 25 October 2026, led to a "total systemic collapse" at the airport, according to one traveller.
Passengers Report Chaos
Photographs posted on X showed hundreds of people crammed into queuing areas at the airport, which is the capital's third-busiest aviation hub. One user described the situation as a "total systemic collapse", noting that luggage belts were not working and security was clearing passengers at a fraction of its usual speed.
The user wrote: "Total systemic collapse at Stansted Airport due to a power cut last night. Luggage belts not working, security clearing at a fraction of its usual operating speed. No guarantee I will see my luggage again today or even make my flight (in 2 hours). Staff explaining nothing at all."
Airport Response
A second passenger reported that after two hours, the airport's tannoy finally announced that electrical systems related to baggage, security and immigration were not working, with staff attempting to fix the issues. A third traveller observed that the airport and its car park were "completely rammed".
A spokesperson for Stansted Airport said: "Due to an earlier power surge that has affected the airport and local area, a number of airport systems were temporarily impacted. While most systems are now back in operation, some remain affected and not operating to full capacity, including security and baggage systems. Teams are working hard to restore all services and support passengers on their journeys through the airport."
Ongoing Disruption
The airport authorities confirmed that multiple operational systems suffered temporary disruption following the power surge, and while most have been restored, knock-on delays persist. Earlier in the week, Greater Anglia had to cancel dozens of Stansted Express trains after fallen trees blocked the route linking the airport to London, affecting services between London Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport, as well as connections to Cambridge North and the Hertfordshire towns of Broxbourne and Bishop's Stortford.
