CNN —
Heathrow Airport Closes Due to Power Outage
Heathrow Airport in London has announced a full-day shutdown on Friday due to a significant power outage linked to a nearby large fire, leading to major disruptions at one of the busiest airports in the world, forcing some flights to turn back midair or reroute entirely.
Power Outage Statement
In a statement on X, Heathrow explained, “A fire at an electrical substation serving the airport has resulted in a significant power outage. To ensure the safety of passengers and staff, the airport will remain closed until 23:59 on March 21.”
Future Disruptions Expected
The airport has cautioned that significant disruptions are anticipated in the coming days and advised passengers against traveling to the airport under any circumstances until operations resume, stating that they do not have clear information on when power will be reliably restored.
Details of the Fire Incident
According to the London Fire Brigade, a transformer at an electrical substation in Hayes, just a few miles from Heathrow, caught fire on Thursday night. The cause of the fire is still unknown, and firefighters were actively engaged in extinguishing the flames as of early Friday.
Impact on Residents and Travelers
The firefighting efforts led to the evacuation of 150 residents. Additionally, more than 16,000 homes experienced power outages, with Britain’s National Grid working swiftly to restore electricity. Videos shared on social media depicted substantial flames and smoke rising from the fire’s location.
Traveler Experiences and Airline Disruptions
The repercussions of the shutdown may affect tens of thousands of travelers. Heathrow was the world’s fourth-busiest airport in 2023, managing around 83.9 million passengers last year. According to aviation analyst Geoffrey Thomas, the airport typically handles about a quarter of a million passengers and around 1,300 flights daily. An estimated 145,000 travelers could face disruptions due to the outages.
Conclusion and Ongoing Developments
As authorities attend to the fire and its fallout, there will be pressing questions regarding the airport’s inability to utilize a backup power source, as it is a critical travel and economic center. This story is still developing and will continue to be updated.
