POWER DISRUPTION DELAYS PASSENGERS AT STANSTED AIRPORT

Stansted Airport said a power surge temporarily affected several of its systems on 25 October 2026. Passengers described a power cut the previous night and reported hours-long queues at security and immigration. Security checkpoints, baggage handling and immigration controls were among the systems affected. Travellers also reported problems with luggage belts as they tried to reach their flights.

Images shared on X showed hundreds of passengers waiting in line. One traveller said security checks were moving at a fraction of their usual speed. The traveller wrote: “No guarantee I will see my luggage again today or even make my flight (in 2 hours).” Another passenger said an airport announcement came after two hours and told travellers that electrical systems connected to baggage, security and immigration were not working.

The announcement said staff were trying to fix the systems and thanked passengers for their patience. The passenger criticised its timing, writing: “They should have done this ages ago”. A third traveller said Stansted was “completely rammed” and reported that its car park was crowded. Stansted Airport said most systems were working again, but passengers still faced residual delays.