The unexpected power outage at Heathrow Airport has caused widespread chaos.Thousands of passengers remain stranded, as the disruption ripples across both UK and international travel, leaving travelers in limbo and flights grounded indefinitely.
Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest airports in Europe, has been shut down for the entire day on Friday following a fire at a nearby electrical substation that powers the facility. As a result, over 1,300 flights are expected to be canceled, throwing both UK and international travel into turmoil. Passengers have been advised not to travel to the airport under any circumstances until it reopens, with the disruption set to last for several days. The fire has also left more than 4,900 homes without power, while 150 people from surrounding areas have been evacuated. With this unprecedented closure, the ripple effects will be felt globally, affecting travel far beyond Heathrow.
Heathrow Airport Closure: Hundreds of Flights Disrupted as Power Outage Forces Shutdown
Heathrow Airport, the U.K.’s largest and one of the busiest airports globally, will remain closed until 11:59 p.m. on Friday due to a severe power outage caused by a fire at a nearby electrical substation. This unexpected closure is set to disrupt a significant number of flights, with 679 flights scheduled to land and 678 flights set to take off. British Airways has strongly advised passengers to refrain from traveling to the airport until further notice, as the shutdown is expected to cause widespread delays and cancellations. With thousands of travelers impacted, the disruption will be felt not just in the U.K., but across international travel routes as well.
37 Flights Between India and London Disrupted as Heathrow Airport Shuts Due to Power Outage
As many as 37 flights between India and London are set to be affected after a massive power outage at Heathrow Airport forced it to shut down operations on March 21. The airport’s closure, caused by a fire at a nearby electrical substation, has left passengers stranded and disrupted hundreds of flights, including several key routes between India and the U.K.
Air India flights, including AI 161 from Delhi, which was diverted to Frankfurt, and AI 129 from Bombay, which is now returning to Mumbai, are among those impacted. Heathrow will remain closed until 11:59 p.m. on March 21, with the airport advising passengers not to travel to the airport until further notice. This disruption is expected to cause a ripple effect across global travel, particularly affecting flights between India and London.
Counter Terrorism Command Leads Investigation into Heathrow Substation Fire
The Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command has taken charge of the investigation into the fire that broke out at a nearby electrical substation supplying power to Heathrow Airport. While authorities are investigating the cause, there is currently no evidence pointing to foul play, as confirmed by the Met Police.
The disruption has caused cancellations and diversions for flights scheduled to depart and land at Heathrow, with passengers being advised not to travel to the airport until further notice. As the Counter Terrorism Command continues its investigation, the incident is being treated with the utmost caution, though it is believed to be an isolated case without external involvement.
Despite the severe disruption, authorities are working to restore power and resume normal operations at Heathrow as quickly as possible. The investigation will continue, but Heathrow and surrounding areas are expected to face significant delays until the situation is resolved.
Heathrow Power Outage: Fire at Substation Triggers Emergency Response, 150 Evacuated
A fire at a transformer inside an electrical substation near Heathrow Airport has led to a massive power outage and forced the closure of the airport. The London Fire Brigade responded quickly, deploying 10 fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters to manage the situation.
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne confirmed that 29 people were safely escorted from nearby properties. As a precaution, a 200-meter cordon was set up, and around 150 people were evacuated to ensure safety. The Heathrow power outage has severely disrupted travel, with numerous flight cancellations and diversions, particularly on international routes.
Authorities are continuing efforts to contain the situation while investigating the cause of the fire. Passengers are advised to avoid traveling to Heathrow as disruptions are expected to last.
