How Luton Airport fire is affecting flights – here’s what we know
Flights from Luton Airport were cancelled on Tuesday night after a huge fire caused a terminal car park to partially collapse.
Flights resumed on Wednesday afternoon but more than 30,000 passengers suffered disruption to their journeys.
Here’s what you need to know about the fire and how it is affecting passengers.
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Airport admits it doesn’t know whose cars were damaged
What happened at Luton Airport?
A fire tore through the Terminal Car Park 2 around 9pm on Tuesday evening, causing the multi-storey building to partially collapse.
It is thought up to 1,500 cars may have been parked inside, however a “substantial number” were not damaged, according to the local fire service.
The newly built building is close to the terminal entrance.
Four firefighters and one member of airport staff were taken to hospital with injuries.
More than 100 firefighters were battling the blaze at its peak after Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue service declared a major incident at 9.38pm, with 15 fire engines at the scene.
What should I do if I’m travelling from Luton?
Flights started again on Wednesday afternoon after being suspended between 9pm Tuesday and 3pm Wednesday.
Luton Airport published information on its website for passengers due to travel.
“For those arriving by car, the long and mid-stay car parks are fully operational, and a temporary drop-off area has been established in the mid-stay car park.
“For those travelling to the airport by rail, the DART shuttle remains out of service with replacement buses in operation.”
I’m due to fly into Luton, what will happen?
If your flight is due to land after 3pm on Wednesday, it should be able to land.
People on flights into Luton overnight were diverted to different airports and, according to analysis by the PA news agency, 17 landed as far away as Cardiff, Liverpool and Manchester.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled?
Under UK law, 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 support in the form of accommodation, transport to a hotel or your home and food vouchers.
You also have the right to make your own “reasonable” arrangements and get reimbursed – but make sure you keep your receipts.
My car was parked in the car park – who do I contact?
Luton Airport said passengers who have queries about a parked vehicle or future car park booking should contact luton.customerservices@apcoa.com.
How did the fire start?
Authorities said the fire appeared to be accidental, with local fire chief Andrew Hopkinson saying there was no evidence to suggest anything to the contrary.
He added the fire likely started in a diesel car, before spreading to nearby vehicles.
“We don’t believe it was an electric vehicle,” he said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.