Overview

• A small fire broke out around 3:30am in the Escape Lounge and was quickly extinguished by the Airport Fire Service, with no injuries reported.
• Security and part of the departures area were closed during smoke extraction, then reopened around 6–6:30am, leading to longer-than-usual screening times.
• Flights are operating with delays, with some early services reportedly departing empty to protect later schedules and Jet2 canceling three Greece departures.
• Passengers were held outside or kept landside during the evacuation, and many described crowded conditions and limited communication.
• A separate signalling fault disrupted Stansted rail services, with National Rail directing travelers to Central Connect bus route 305 between Bishop’s Stortford and the airport and warning of morning-long disruption.