A fire at an electrical substation in Hayes, west London, has caused major disruption to operations at Heathrow Airport. The blaze broke out on Thursday evening, leading to major power outages at the airport.
To ensure the safety of passengers and staff, the airport authorities decided to close Heathrow until midnight Friday night.
The fire led to the cancellation or diverting of more than 1,300 flights, affecting the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. Many were forced to change their plans at the last minute, causing significant disruption to air travel around the world.
The situation has highlighted the need for effective contingency plans in the event of such incidents. Experts stress that an airport of this size should have reliable backup power systems to prevent similar situations in the future.
Work is currently underway to restore full airport functionality, but passengers should be prepared for possible delays and disruptions in the coming days. It is recommended to regularly check the status of your flight and contact your carriers for the latest information.
Due to a fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport, Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage.
To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23h59 on 21 March.
Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport… pic.twitter.com/7SWNJP8ojd
— Heathrow Airport (@HeathrowAirport) March 21, 2025
