Stansted fire halts departures as passengers evacuated
Smoke from a blaze in the Escape Lounge prompted an evacuation and a temporary security shutdown; officials say flights will resume later in the morning.
A small fire in Stansted Airport's Escape Lounge around 3:30 a.m. local time forced the evacuation of the departures area and halted outgoing flights. The blaze prompted the temporary closure of security checkpoints as crews responded, and passengers were moved away from the area while responders worked to contain the smoke.
The airport, a base for Jet2.com, Ryanair and TUI Airways, said health and safety would be its number one priority as officials assessed the scene and prepared to restart operations. A spokesman noted that departing flights would not leave until later in the morning while teams worked to clear smoke and ensure safe access to check-in and security zones. "Health and safety will be our number one priority," the spokesman said.
The fire was extinguished quickly by the Airport Fire Service, with no reports of injuries, authorities said. The evacuation was prompted by a significant amount of smoke, and passengers have been moved to the terminal forecourt as security remains temporarily closed. Airport officials urged travelers to stay calm and await further guidance as staff manage the flow of people and reallocate resources to clear the terminal.
Travelers took to social media to describe the disruption, with some reporting crowded conditions and limited information. One post said the terminal forecourt and check-in areas were "completely packed with people standing shoulder to shoulder" and that there was little movement or clear communication. Families with young children, elderly passengers, and others with health needs were particularly affected as they waited for updates on re-entry to security and boarding.
Another user complained that staff had not communicated for a lengthy period, writing that it took about an hour and a half for the next update. A separate post described seeing TV screens advise passengers to board or go to gates, while many could not access the gate areas due to the crowd and closed security checks.
as operations assess the situation, there was no firm timetable for when security and departures would resume. Officials promised ongoing updates through official channels and urged passengers to check with their airlines for any rebooking or rescheduling needs. The incident underscores how even a single alarm can ripple through a regional hub, prompting large crowds and complicated logistics as authorities work to restore normal service.