Further disruption at Luton airport is inevitable in the wake of the multi-storey car park fire which shut operations for much of Wednesday.
Travel data suppler OAG estimated that about 18,000 passengers were affected as more than 125 flights to and from the airport had to be cancelled after the blaze broke out on Tuesday evening.
Flights resumed yesterday afternoon but passengers have been warned that parking is restricted after Terminal Car Park 2 suffered a “significant structural collapse” following the blaze.
Up to 1,500 vehicles were thought to have been in the car park at the time, while hundreds of people were stranded at the airport.
The airport said: “While operations have now resumed, some further disruption is inevitable. Additional staff remain on hand to assist passengers across the airport. Passengers should follow the advice on our website.
“Main roads around the area have re-opened, but delays are expected on the airport approach. For those arriving by car, the long and mid-stay car parks are fully operational.
“The long-stay car park continues to be served by our 24-hour shuttle bus service.
“Parking space is extremely limited, so where possible please make alternative arrangements for getting to the airport.”
The Dart rail shuttle which runs between Luton airport Parkway station and the airport is not in operation and has been temporarily replaced by a shuttle bus.
EasyJet said: “Due to a fire at the multi-storey car park on 10th October there is ongoing disruption, including to customer drop off/ pick up and public transport links at London Luton airport.
“The Luton Dart rail link is currently closed and customer drop off/pick up zones have moved to the mid-stay car park.
“Please plan your journey in advance, allowing plenty of time to travel to the airport.
“We are doing all possible to minimise the impact on our customers, providing those on cancelled flights with options to rebook or receive a voucher or refund, as well as providing hotel accommodation and meals where required.
“We advise all customers due to fly with us from Luton to check the status of their flights for real-time information before travelling to the airport.”
Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service said: “The fire service can confirm the initial vehicle involved in the fire was a diesel car. An investigation to determine the cause of the fire is underway.”