Blaze at Luton Airport halts all fights
A devastating fire that erupted at Luton Airport at approximately 21:00 (9 PM) BST Tuesday evening has led to the suspension of all flights until 15:00 (3 PM) BST, resulting in chaos and disruption for approximately 25,000 passengers. The blaze that broke out in Terminal Car Park 2 rapidly spread to multiple stories and inflicted severe damage, resulting in a "significant structural collapse" of the multi-storey car park.
The fire was declared a major incident at 9.38 pm on Tuesday, with Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service sending a large response team to combat the blaze. At its peak, the operation involved 15 fire engines, three specialist aerial appliances, and over 100 firefighters. Four firefighters and an airport staff member have been hospitalised due to smoke inhalation, while another patient was treated at the scene. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but initial reports suggest that it may have started in a vehicle that arrived at the car park shortly before 9 pm.
Luton Airport issued the following statement on X, formerly known as Twitter this morning:
“Emergency services remain on the scene following last night’s fire in Terminal Car Park 2.
Our priority remains supporting the emergency services and the safety of our passengers and staff. Therefore, we have now taken the decision to suspend all flights until 3pm on Wednesday 11th October.
Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport at this time, as access remains severely restricted.
For queries relating to a parked vehicle or future booking please contact luton.customerservices@apcoa.com.
Passengers should contact their airline for information regarding their flight.
Further updates to follow.”
The fire has resulted in a heavy police presence at the airport, with officers assisting stranded passengers and directing them away from the scene. Some passengers found themselves without accommodations, as all available hotels were fully booked, and alternative travel options were limited.
Luton Airport, the UK's fifth-largest airport, typically serves more than 13 million passengers annually. Airlines such as EasyJet and Wizz Air have also been affected by the disruption, with cancellations and disruptions expected.
As firefighters work to control the remnants of the blaze and ensure the safety of the surrounding area, the investigation into the cause of the fire continues. Travellers are advised to stay updated on the situation and make necessary adjustments to their travel plans in light of the ongoing developments.
