Bournemouth Airport users urged to allow extra time for journeys due to New Forest wildfire

Passengers planning to fly from Bournemouth Airport are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys due to a wildfire in the New Forest causing a “major incident”.

Traffic is being diverted due to the closure of the A31 in both directions in Hampshire, forcing traffic to be diverted.

The blaze started on Sunday evening after flames spread onto heathland from a van that caught fire on the road east of Ringwood.

The dual carriageway has been closed since, with motorists facing lengthy delays on surrounding roads. 

Although under control, the operation to contain the fire is expected to last for several days.

National Highways said on Monday afternoon that the A31 - a major link through the New Forest - had sustained "significant damage" and there was no estimated time for when it would reopen.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service had seven fire engines on the scene overnight together with other support vehicles.

A statement issued at 6am today said: “Crews have worked tirelessly throughout the night, a change in wind direction provided a challenge to the firefighting operations but thanks to the efforts of firefighters we are managing to contain the fire. 

“We have been using a mix of fire engines and off-road vehicles to damp down and cool the edges of the area involved in the fire to prevent spread and escalation.  

“The A31 remains closed in both directions while emergency services operate in the area. If you’re travelling through the area, please avoid the route where possible and follow the latest diversion information from National Highways.”

Bournemouth Airport said earlier on Monday: “Please allow extra time for your journey to Bournemouth Airport.

“The A31 in Hampshire is closed in both directions between M27, J2 and A338 due to a van fire. The fire then spread to nearby heathland, and as such is now a major incident.”