Two firefighters have died while tackling a major fire beside Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, which temporarily halted flight operations and caused widespread delays and cancellations.
The blaze broke out near Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport on Tuesday afternoon, July 21, sending thick smoke across the surrounding area and severely disrupting the airport’s flight schedule.
The fire reportedly began in vegetation shortly after 1400hrs local time before spreading to a nearby building close to the airport’s long-stay P4 car park. Large columns of black smoke were visible across western Bordeaux and close to the airport’s flight paths.
Departures were temporarily suspended as emergency services battled the blaze, while arriving aircraft were reportedly held or diverted to other airports. Passengers faced extensive delays, cancellations and uncertainty as the disruption spread through the afternoon schedule. Access roads around the airport were also affected by the emergency response.
Bordeaux Airport confirmed that a fire near the airfield was delaying some services and advised passengers to consult its live arrivals and departures information before travelling. Although several reports referred to widespread cancellations, an official total had not been released at the time of writing.
Flight operations gradually resumed later in the evening, although disruption continued as airlines attempted to recover delayed aircraft and crews. The airport’s departure board showed most late-evening flights operating again, but some services remained delayed, including an easyJet departure to Bristol.
Tragically, two firefighters lost their lives while tackling the blaze after it spread to a building near the airport. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced their deaths while addressing lawmakers in the National Assembly and said he would travel to the scene. The circumstances surrounding the firefighters’ deaths had not been fully established.
The fire occurred as high temperatures and prolonged dry conditions continued to increase the risk of wildfires across France, with numerous departments placed under elevated fire warnings. Emergency crews remained at the scene while airport authorities worked to restore normal operations.
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