Stansted Airport in Chaos After Early Morning Fire Sparks Panic
Blaze Breaks Out in Escape Lounge
A fire tore through Stansted Airport’s Escape Lounge at 3.30am today, sending thick smoke billowing across the terminal and triggering a swift evacuation. Passengers were hurried out “as a precaution,” sparking chaos in the early hours. The blaze was quickly extinguished, but the damage forced a temporary shutdown of the departure lounge.
Delays and Disruption Grip the Airport
Although flights are still taking off and landing, Stansted warned travellers to expect longer wait times. The departure lounge reopened around 6am, but security queues remained heavy.
Stansted Airport said: “Following the fire in our Escape Lounge earlier this morning, the departure lounge is now open, and passengers are being processed through security, though waiting times may be longer than usual in the circumstances.
Airlines advised passengers to check flight statuses as some delays were reported.
Train Service Hits Another Speed Bump
To pour salt on the wound, all train services to and from Stansted were suspended until at least 8am following a signalling fault. National Rail announced no trains would stop at the airport, causing cancellations and snarls for commuters. Replacement buses are running between Bishops Stortford and Stansted, and some local bus routes are accepting train tickets to ease the travel chaos.
Quick Fire Facts
- Fire broke out in Escape Lounge at 3.30am, producing heavy smoke
- Passengers evacuated; departure lounge temporarily closed
- Security reopened at 6am, with ongoing delays
- Flights continuing with some delays
- Train services disrupted; replacement buses in place
Travellers are urged to stay updated through their airlines and Stansted Airport’s official channels.
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