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A van fire on the southbound M23 forced lane closures and is expected to delay flights at Gatwick Airport, raising concerns for passengers with connections to Canada and the United States.
The vehicle was engulfed in flames on the M23 southbound, causing delays of around 30 minutes, according to National Highways.
There is an estimated four miles of congestion on the approach between J8 (M25) and J9 (Gatwick Airport) and two out of the four lanes remain closed.
Response by Emergency Services
The Surrey Fire and Rescue Service is at the scene attending to the vehicle fire.
Footage shared on social media shows a vehicle on the side of the carriageway up in flames, with plumes of black smoke rising.
In a second video, large billows of smoke can be seen rising high above the motorway, visible from some distance away as a 40 mph speed restriction is put in place.
Impact on Gatwick Airport
The blaze is expected to affect hundreds of motorists heading to Gatwick Airport as it spills out from the M23, also impacting routes on the M25.
Airlines have warned that flight departures may be delayed, which could cause missed connections for passengers traveling to Canada or the United States.
The incident is also being investigated by Surrey Police.
Similar road incidents in Canada, such as a major blockage on Highway 401 near Toronto, have previously disrupted airport access, highlighting the broader vulnerability of travel networks.
Travelers are advised to check with their airlines and consider alternative transport options to the airport, a practice common in both Canada and the United States during such events.