We flew into Stansted at 7pm yesterday, and once through passport control thought the check in area was a bit busy and even a group of 6 Police monitoring the area I thought, hmm has there been a incident. Then noticed what appeared to be more 'helpers' for passenger queries. Went to our pick up area and our driver told us it was much busier than normal.
Further research told the story. A Fire Alarm at the Station had knocked out the signalling system at 3pm ish and there were no trains till at least 11pm. They were doing Bus replacement to Bishops Stortford and National Express etc to London. So no doubt chaos was reigning supreme.
I expect people had struggled to get to the airport and had missed their flights and were looking to re book, so explaining the check in area...
Oh the joys of flying....