Heathrow Airport has been closed due to a significant power outage caused by a large fire at an electrical substation nearby, with at least 120 flights diverted or canceled and passengers advised not to travel.
Heathrow Airport has been closed due to a ‘significant power outage‘ caused by a large fire at an electrical substation nearby. The fire was reported around 11:23 p.m. local time on Thursday and crews have been on scene throughout the night. Around 150 people have been evacuated from the area, and authorities have set up a 200-meter cordon as a precaution.
Located in Hillingdon, London, Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports globally. It serves over 80 million passengers annually and offers flights to more than 180 destinations worldwide. The airport has six operational terminals and is a major hub for British Airways. Heathrow's expansion plans include a new third runway, set to increase capacity by 50% by 2026.
The airport has announced that it will be closed until 11:59 p.m. on March 21 due to the power outage, which is expected to cause significant disruption over the coming days. Passengers are advised not to travel to Heathrow Airport and should contact their airline for further information.
According to FlightRadar24, at least 120 flights have been diverted or canceled as a result of the closure, with many more expected to be affected in the coming hours. The airport’s website states that passengers should not attempt to travel to the airport under any circumstances until it reopens.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, and firefighters are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. The London Fire Brigade has issued a statement warning of ‘prolonged disruption‘ and urging people to avoid the area wherever possible.
Passengers who are medically dependent on electricity are advised to contact their power network for support, according to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks.
