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Delays hit Stansted Airport in Essex on Wednesday morning after a fire broke out in the early hours. The departure lounge was temporarily closed due to the blaze, with trains in the airport delayed.

A statement issued by the airport just before 6.30am said: "Following the fire in our escape lounge earlier this morning we are awaiting clearance from the emergency services to reopen the departure of ounce and start processing passengers through security again.

"Teams are working hard to extract smoke from the area and ensure it is safe for people to enter.

"We appreciate this is frustrating for those affected and thank everyone for their patience.

"A further update will follow as soon as possible."

A second statement added that the departure lounge was now reopened with passenger being ushered through security, "though waiting times may be longer than usual in the circumstances".

Flights were not suspended, although some may be subject to delays.

Pictures shows queues of traffic building up, and forlorn looking travellers stranded on roads heading to the terminal.

National Rail, posting on X, said: "Greater Anglia and Stansted Express customers may use their ticket, at no extra on Central Connect buses route 305 route between Bishops Stortford and Stansted Airport."

One traveller shared a photograph of large crowds inside the terminal.

Another, Cameron Haggar, also posting on X, said: "I'm sure I can speak for the hundreds of passengers currently corned into one side of the departures hall.

"No communication around why we have been rounded up, we have been removed from our meals, no updates given and only heard about a fire from 'ear wigging'."

US President Donald Trump flew in and out of Stansted when he visited the UK last week.