Flights suspended at Luton Airport after fire in terminal car park
Five people have been taken to hospital.
Last updated 11th Oct 2023
Firefighters and an airline official have been taken to hospital after a fire broke out at Luton Airport on Tuesday.
Five people were admitted to Luton and Dunstable hospitals for smoke inhalation, all have now been discharged.
A sixth person was treated at the scene but did not require further medical treatment.
All flights at London Luton Airport were suspended shortly after the fire broke out at around 9pm.
Luton Airport has since confirmed flights will remain suspended until at least 3pm on Wednesday.
The building has partially collapsed, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed.
Footage posted on social media showed flames and smoke tearing through cars parked at the airport terminal on Tuesday evening.
Vehicle alarms and loud explosions could be heard, with one witness saying the speed in which the blaze tore through the upper floor of the car park was “incredible”.
The airport said on X: “All flights are currently suspended as emergency services respond to a fire in Terminal Car Park 2.
“Access to the airport is currently restricted and we ask that people do not travel to the airport at this time.
“Additional staff are on hand to provide assistance to passengers.”
“Passengers should stay in touch with their airline for further flight information.”
WATCH: Our reporter Zoe Head-Thomas has been at the airport this morning:
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue, Bedfordshire Police and the East of England Ambulance remain on the scene.
WATCH: The Chief Fire officer, Andy Hopkinson has been giving us an update this morning:
He's confirmed that crews from Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, and London were called in at various points overnight and this morning to help with the situation.
He told Bauer News that work remains ongoing to dampen down the car park and they're doing everything they can to get the airport back open again.
The fire is not being treated as suspicious at the moment with nothing to suggest it was anything but accidental at this time.
Luton Airport officials have confirmed access to the airfield is currently restricted.
Passengers on flights out of Luton have been asked to remain away from the area.
People living nearby have been advised to steer clear and keep their windows closed to reduce health risks.
The airport’s website says the car park that is on fire is new.
“Our brand new multi-story car park offering secure, on-site parking using just a five-minute walk to the terminal entrance,” the website says.