BREAKINGBREAKING,
London airport announces closure until midnight on Friday to ensure passenger and worker safety.
The United Kingdom’s Heathrow airport, the busiest in Europe, has closed its operations until midnight on Friday due to a power failure resulting from a fire at an electrical substation. This unforeseen event has disrupted the plans of thousands of travellers.
According to a statement released by Heathrow Airport on Friday, a “significant” power failure occurred due to the fire, affecting the airport’s operations. To safeguard passengers and staff, Heathrow will remain closed until 23:59 on March 21.
“Passengers are advised against coming to the airport and should contact their respective airlines for further information. We apologize for the inconvenience,” the statement read.
FlightRadar24, a flight tracking website, reported that the shutdown would impact at least 1,351 flights, with 120 planes being diverted or returning to their departure points at the time of the announcement.
Heathrow airport, consistently ranked among the world’s top five busiest airports, handled a record nearly 84 million passengers in 2024.
Social media footage depicted a high-rise inferno, illuminating the night sky and producing substantial black smoke.
The London Fire Brigade responded with 10 engines and around 70 firefighters to an electrical substation fire near Heathrow in Hayes, west London.
“This is a highly visible and significant incident. Our firefighters are working hard in challenging conditions to control the fire as quickly as possible,” stated Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne. “The fire has caused a power outage affecting numerous homes and local businesses. We’re working with partners to minimize disruption, having led 29 people to safety from nearby properties and evacuated about 150 people as a precaution, maintaining a 200-meter cordon.
Goulbourne clarified that the fire is a “prolonged incident” with crews staying throughout the night, anticipating increased disruption as morning approaches.
“We urge people to avoid the area whenever possible due to significant smoke and advise local residents to keep their windows and doors closed,” Goulbourne added.
More updates to follow…
According to a statement released by Heathrow Airport on Friday, a “significant” power failure occurred due to the fire, affecting the airport’s operations. To safeguard passengers and staff, Heathrow will remain closed until 23:59 on March 21.
“Passengers are advised against coming to the airport and should contact their respective airlines for further information. We apologize for the inconvenience,” the statement read.
FlightRadar24, a flight tracking website, reported that the shutdown would impact at least 1,351 flights, with 120 planes being diverted or returning to their departure points at the time of the announcement.
Heathrow airport, consistently ranked among the world’s top five busiest airports, handled a record nearly 84 million passengers in 2024.
Social media footage depicted a high-rise inferno, illuminating the night sky and producing substantial black smoke.
The London Fire Brigade responded with 10 engines and around 70 firefighters to an electrical substation fire near Heathrow in Hayes, west London.
“This is a highly visible and significant incident. Our firefighters are working hard in challenging conditions to control the fire as quickly as possible,” stated Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne. “The fire has caused a power outage affecting numerous homes and local businesses. We’re working with partners to minimize disruption, having led 29 people to safety from nearby properties and evacuated about 150 people as a precaution, maintaining a 200-meter cordon.
Goulbourne clarified that the fire is a “prolonged incident” with crews staying throughout the night, anticipating increased disruption as morning approaches.
“We urge people to avoid the area whenever possible due to significant smoke and advise local residents to keep their windows and doors closed,” Goulbourne added.
More updates to follow…
