All flights from the airport are currently suspended after a fire broke out at a terminal car park last night (Tuesday).
One of the airport’s multi-storey car parks has partially collapsed as a result of the fire, with four firefighters and one member of airport staff taken to hospital with injuries.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue service declared a major incident at 9.38pm yesterday and, at one point, had 15 fire engines, three specialist aerial appliances and more than 100 firefighters at the scene.
The fire service said one half of the car park was “fully involved in the fire” and that the building has suffered a “significant structural collapse”. At 10am this morning, a statement said the fire service had been scaled back and the fire was no longer a major incident.
A statement from Luton Airport said: “Our priority remains supporting the emergency services and the safety of our passengers and staff. We’re working hard to get the airport operational as soon as possible. All flights are currently suspended until 3pm on Wednesday 11th October.
“Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport at this time, as access remains severely restricted. For queries relating to a parked vehicle or future booking please contact luton.customerservices@apcoa.com. Passengers should contact their airline for information regarding their flight.”
Your flight rights
At least 140 flights have been cancelled since the fire started, disrupting the travel plans of about 25,000 passengers.
Passengers due to fly today should contact their airline for the latest flight information.
A statement from EasyJet said: “We are doing all possible to minimise the impact on our customers, providing those on cancelled flights with options to rebook or receive a refund, as well as providing hotel accommodation and meals where required. We advise all customers due to fly with us from Luton to check the status of their flights on Flight Tracker at www.easyjet.com/en/flight-tracker for real-time information.”
A statement from Ryanair said: “Due to the temporary closure of London Luton Airport today (Wed 11 Oct), we regret to advise passengers of possible delays or cancellations on flights to/from Luton.
“Affected passengers will be advised via email, Push and SMS as soon as possible. Ryanair advises all passengers to monitor the Day Of Travel assistant section of the Ryanair App for the latest information regarding your flight. Ryanair apologises for any inconvenience caused by the closure of Luton Airport which is outside of Ryanair’s control.”
Anyone due to fly into Luton is likely to find their flight will be diverted to another UK airport – check this with your airline. Some passengers due to arrive in Luton last night were diverted to Cardiff, Liverpool and Manchester, as well as airports closer to Luton.
Legally, if your flight is cancelled the airline must either give you a refund or book you on an alternative flight, either with them or a rival airline. If you were already at the airport when your flight was cancelled, you’re entitled to food and drink and accommodation if necessary.
However, passengers won’t be entitled to compensation due to the fire, as the situation at Luton Airport is out of airlines’ control.
