Smoke causes disruption at Heathrow Terminal 5

An unexpected incident disrupted the morning routine at Heathrow Airport on January 21, 2026, when a car caught fire outside Terminal 5. At approximately 7:56 a.m., thick black smoke billowed into the air, visible from across the airport complex, prompting concern among passengers and staff during one of the busiest travel periods of the day.

Emergency response and containment

According to Heathrow Airport, the vehicle, believed to be diesel-powered, was rapidly engulfed in flames and reduced to its metal frame. Heathrow’s own fire service responded immediately and successfully extinguished the fire before London Fire Brigade crews arrived. No injuries were reported, and the incident was contained without damage to terminal facilities.

Passenger reaction and traffic disruption

Images and videos shared on social media amplified the perception of disruption as travelers encountered smoke and emergency activity near the terminal entrance. Road access to Terminal 5 was temporarily affected, leading to delays for passengers arriving by car and taxi, particularly during peak morning hours.

Operational impact on Heathrow Airport

Despite the dramatic visuals, Heathrow Airport maintained normal flight operations. Departures and arrivals continued as scheduled, with the primary impact limited to ground access and passenger movement around Terminal 5. Business travelers faced minor logistical challenges, but the airport’s rapid response prevented wider disruption.

Infrastructure resilience and safety measures

Heathrow officials emphasized that the incident posed no ongoing risk to passengers or staff. The swift containment of the fire highlighted the airport’s preparedness for unexpected events and reinforced confidence in its emergency management protocols at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.

As International Investment experts report, the Terminal 5 incident illustrates how even isolated ground-level emergencies can briefly affect airport operations and traveler confidence. Heathrow’s rapid and coordinated response demonstrates the resilience of its infrastructure and underscores the importance of emergency readiness in global transport centers.