Ryanair flights FR341 from Luton to Dublin and FR423 from Luton to Cork was among the cancelled flights as all flights at London Luton Airport were grounded following a significant fire that broke out in a terminal car park. Passengers have been urged to avoid traveling to the airport.
Bedfordshire Fire Service reported that ten fire engines were dispatched to combat the blaze at Terminal Car Park 2, where approximately 80pc of the third floor was affected.
Eyewitness footage circulating online depicts towering flames and thick smoke billowing from the top floor of the multi-storey structure. Thus far, there have been no reported casualties, according to the East of England Ambulance Service. The airport authorities have stated that the car fire initially sparked the flames and led to its rapid spread. Alarming vehicle alarms and loud explosions have echoed throughout the area, with witnesses describing the speed and intensity of the fire’s progression on the upper level as “incredible.”
Eyewitness, Russell Taylor told the BBC “A couple of fire engines were present with a car engulfed in flames on the upper floor of the car park shortly after 9 pm. Within a few minutes, most of the upper floor was ablaze, car alarms were going off, and there were loud explosions as cars caught fire.”
The fire service received its initial call about the incident at 20:47 BST. The airport management released a statement acknowledging the situation, indicating, “All flights are presently suspended as emergency services respond to a car fire that has spread in Terminal Car Park 2. Access to the airport is currently restricted, and we urge individuals not to travel to the airport at this time. Further updates will follow.”
Airport officials have arranged for additional staff members to provide assistance to stranded passengers. They have also advised travelers to contact their respective airlines for further information regarding their flights. The extent of the damage caused by the fire remains uncertain, and authorities are working diligently to manage the situation and ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
