Heathrow Airport has been forced to close for the entire day due to a massive fire at the electrical substation supplying power to the airport. Passengers have been advised against travelling to the airport, with over 1,300 flights expected to be disrupted on Friday. The fire, which started on Thursday evening at the North Hyde electrical substation in west London, has also caused power outages to thousands of homes and the evacuation of more than 100 individuals. Emergency services responded to the scene at 11.23 pm on Thursday, however, the cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
The closure of Heathrow Airport has resulted in chaos for travellers, with flight tracking website Flightradar24 reporting that approximately 120 aircraft were already in the air when the closure was announced. Flights have been diverted to alternative airports such as Gatwick, Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, and Shannon Airport in Ireland. Some flights had to turn back to airports in Canada and the United States. A spokesperson for Heathrow Airport issued a statement explaining the situation and emphasising the need to close the airport for safety reasons until 23:59 on March 21, 2025. The spokesperson highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the restoration of power and anticipated significant disruption in the upcoming days.
British Airways has cautioned its passengers against travelling to Heathrow Airport, acknowledging the substantial impact the airport closure will have on its operations and customers. The airline specified that customers scheduled to travel from Heathrow on Friday should refrain from going to the airport until further notice. They are working diligently to update affected customers on their travel options within the next 24 hours and beyond. The process of contacting affected passengers has been described as lengthy.
The closure of Heathrow Airport and the subsequent flight disruptions have garnered significant attention, with concerns arising about the impact on travellers, airlines, and airport operations. The sudden closure has highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure such as electrical substations and the importance of swift emergency responses in mitigating potential dangers. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the aviation industry in ensuring passenger safety and minimising disruptions due to unforeseen events.
As the situation unfolds, it is imperative for authorities to investigate the cause of the fire at the electrical substation and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The resilience of Heathrow Airport’s operations and the coordination of emergency services in managing the crisis will be closely monitored. Passengers are advised to stay updated on the developments and follow guidance from airlines and airport authorities regarding travel arrangements. The impact of the airport closure on travel plans and the broader implications for the aviation sector underscore the need for comprehensive contingency plans and robust safety measures to address emergencies effectively.