Passengers travelling from Stansted Airport are facing delays after a small fire broke out in a private departure lounge in the early hours of this morning.
The airport confirmed that a fire occurred in its Escape Lounge at 3.30am, resulting in the evacuation of an area of the airport and the temporary closure of security while emergency services attended.
Flights were not cancelled but some of the airport’s early morning departures were delayed including the first flight of the day, a Jet2 flight to Mytilene on the Greek island of Lesbos. It had been scheduled to depart at 5.40am, but took off at 6.48am.
Posting on X at 6.30am, Stansted stated the departure lounge had reopened, but security wait times may be longer.
It said: “Following the fire in our Escape Lounge earlier this morning, the departure lounge is now open and passengers are being proceeded through security, though waiting times may be longer than usual in the circumstances.
“Flights were not suspended and both departures and arrivals are operating. Some flights may be subject to delays and passengers are advised to check with their airlines.”
However a number of passengers posted on social media stating they had been stuck outside waiting to be let into the airport or missed their flights due to delays.
Writing on X, @CraigAngus734 said: “Well I was queuing from 4am only to find my flight had left without me at 6.30.. no communication through the whole thing… really poor and a whole day now gone.”
In a separate signalling issue, there was also disruption to the Stansted Express. It has now been resolved, but trains are subject to delay.
