Some flights were delayed while the fire was put out (Picture: SWNS)

A huge blaze tore through Bristol Airport earlier today, damaging nearly a dozen vehicles and sending black smoke into the air.

The fire broke out this morning in the Silver Zone car park, less than 500 feet from the airport entrance on Lulsgate Bottom.

Cars were seen engulfed by flames, with 11 vehicles damaged and five ‘completely destroyed’.

An ‘accidental ignition’ is believed to be the cause of the blaze at about 10am, airport and fire officials said.

Local fire crews responded to the scene, with two appliances dispatched from Bedminster to help the airport’s fire service staff.

After a runway was closed ‘for a short time as a safety precaution’, there were some ‘minor’ delays to flights but none were cancelled, an airport spokesperson said.

No one was injured.

‘We’re contacting the owners of any cars that were damaged,’ the airport said.

Avon Fire and Rescue said: ‘Avon Fire and Rescue received a call at 10am this morning to reports of a car fire at Bristol Airport.

‘On arrival airport fire service was already attending putting cars out.

‘Three breathing apparatus were used from Avon Fire and Rescue and two from the airport fire service.

‘Three hose jets were used to put the fire out and 11 cars were involved in total.

‘The damage ranged from 20% to 100% and approximately four or five vehicles were completely burnt out.’