All departing flights from Stansted Airport have been cancelled after a bus caught fire close to the main building.
Flames and large plumes of smoke were seen billowing into the air after the blaze took hold.
The fire, which broke out on a shuttle bus, reportedly caused damage to the front of the terminal building
Essex Fire Service said four fire crews were sent to the scene as diverted traffic away from the terminal.
There were no injuries but some passengers complained at being stuck outside the terminal building; others were dismayed by what they said was the absence of an action plan.
One said: "No one really knows what they are doing. We had to stand for 10 min 20 m away from fire just to wait for someone to make a decision of next action plan."
At 4.40pm the airport said: "Due to a fire on the car park shuttle bus, terminal forecourt and surrounded area including parts of the terminal building are being evacuated due to smoke. We are investigating this as a matter of urgency and will provide an update shortly."
Three hours later the airport cancelled on departing flights until midnight, asking passengers to leave Stansted.
Bosses at the airport apologised and advised passengers to re-book their flights with their airlines.
