Airport power failure leaves thousands stranded
Bristol Airport is warning of severe delays and disruption for the rest of today after a power failure in the early hours of this morning brought the terminal to a standstill.
Flights were grounded at the busiest time of day as the airport was unable to check in any passengers, many of whom arrived at the airport to find that it had been plunged into darkness.
A small fire in a control room is believed to have knocked out the power at around 03:00hrs, but the airport said a full investigation was underway to establish the precise cause.
Partial power was restored at around 06:00hrs, but several systems – including the automated baggage belt – were still not functioning at close to 09:00hrs and an airport spokesman said staff had resorted to checking bags in manually.
This was causing delays, he said, and three easyJet flights to Palma, Malaga and Edinburgh had left without luggage. "The airport is working with the airline to ensure passengers are reunited with their bags as soon as possible," he said.
In total, 25 flights were affected by the power cut this morning but the airport spokesman said the airport would suffer from significant delays and disruption for the rest of the day.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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