Luton Airport, one of the UK’s busiest travel hubs, has temporarily suspended all flight operations due to a massive fire that erupted in its terminal car park.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, led to significant structural damage to the multi-storey car park, potentially affecting around 1,500 vehicles.
The fire, believed to have originated from a car, quickly spread, leading to the partial collapse of the car park structure. Images from the scene depicted towering flames and dense smoke emanating from the top levels of the car park. The blaze was so intense that it was visible from a considerable distance from the airport terminal.
Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene, with firefighters working tirelessly to control the inferno. As a result of the incident, four firefighters and one airport staff member were taken to the hospital due to smoke inhalation. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities.
The airport authorities, prioritizing the safety of passengers and staff, announced the suspension of all flights until 15:00 BST on Wednesday. This decision affected approximately 25,000 airline passengers, causing significant disruptions to their travel plans. Many passengers found themselves stranded at the airport, with some expressing concerns about their vehicles parked in the affected car park.
Andy Hopkinson, Bedfordshire’s chief fire officer, stated that the fire’s origin is believed to be accidental, likely starting from a diesel car. He commended the efforts of the emergency services and confirmed that no members of the public were harmed during the incident. The fire department also highlighted the absence of sprinklers in the car park, which might have exacerbated the fire’s spread.
Luton Airport, which served over 13 million passengers in 2022, is the fifth largest in the UK. The airport’s management has been working closely with emergency services to ensure the safety of all and to resume normal operations as soon as possible.
Several airlines operating from Luton Airport, including EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air, have issued statements regarding the disruption. EasyJet, in particular, apologized for the inconvenience caused to its passengers and assured them of providing necessary assistance, including hotel accommodations and meals.
The local fire department has declared the incident a major event and has initiated a full investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire. As the situation unfolds, passengers and the general public have been advised to stay updated through official channels and avoid traveling to the airport until further notice.
The incident at Luton Airport underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and protocols, especially in high-traffic areas like airports. As investigations continue, the focus will likely shift to understanding the cause of the fire and implementing preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
