London Stansted (STN) experienced a power surge on 25 October 2026 that temporarily impacted a number of airport systems, the airport said, creating lengthy queues at security and baggage reclaim and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded inside the terminal.
Systems affected and airport response
A Stansted Airport spokesperson said the disruption was caused by an earlier power surge that also affected the local area. While the airport said most systems are back in operation, it confirmed that some services remained affected and were “not operating to full capacity, including security and baggage systems.”
“Due to an earlier power surge that has affected the airport and local area, a number of airport systems were temporarily impacted. While most systems are now back in operation, some remain affected and not operating to full capacity, including security and baggage systems. Teams are working hard to restore all services and support passengers on their journeys through the airport.” — Stansted Airport spokesperson
Images and posts shared on social media showed large crowds queuing at security and in baggage halls. One X user who posted photographs described the situation as a “total systemic collapse” and reported that Ryanair had lost their luggage and that their flight to Prague was delayed. The airport did not publish a complete list of airlines or flights directly affected in its statement.
Operational impact on passengers
Passenger accounts described long waits at multiple processing points. Local media published photographs showing dense queues and reports that baggage belts were not functioning for a period. Airport teams and staff were credited in the statement with working to restore services and support travellers.
- Cause: earlier power surge affecting airport and local area
- Immediate effects: temporary impact to security and baggage systems, long queues
- Current status: most systems back in operation; some systems still not at full capacity
The airport’s statement placed emphasis on restoration work and passenger assistance but did not specify the number of delayed or cancelled flights, any formal disruption statistics, or precise timings for full recovery. Media posts from travellers alleged luggage losses and individual flight delays, including at least one flight to Prague referenced by a social post.
Incidents that affect core processing systems such as security screening and baggage handling can create knock-on effects across airline schedules and turnrounds; Stansted’s confirmation that some systems remained degraded indicates residual operational limits until full restoration. The airport asked for passenger patience while teams worked to return to normal service.
