Heathrow Airport remains closed until further notice after a fire at a nearby electrical substation triggered a major power outage, bringing global travel to a halt and leaving over 1,300 flights affected.
The disruption began Friday (March 21) and is expected to last into the weekend, marking one of the most significant operational breakdowns at one of the world’s busiest airports in recent memory.
The fire, which broke out at the North Hyde electrical substation, was quickly brought under control. However, its impact was immediate and widespread. Power to Heathrow’s main systems was knocked out, and the backup generator was also compromised. According to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, the generator “appears to have been knocked out” as well, highlighting what he called a “catastrophic accident.”
Passengers were advised to avoid the airport entirely. Tracking site Flightradar24 reported that at least 120 flights were already airborne and en route to Heathrow when the closure was announced. By the end of the day, at least 1,351 flights were affected, causing a ripple effect that has disrupted itineraries around the world.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed the airport closure and noted that the outage had impacted not just travelers, but also homes and businesses in the surrounding area. “Heathrow Airport is closed today due to a power outage caused by a fire at a nearby electrical substation,” he said in a public statement. “The fire is having a significant impact on the local area with the airport closed, other businesses affected and homes left without power.”
Travelers expecting to pass through Heathrow are experiencing mounting frustration, as are residents who have lost power and commuters navigating widespread delays. The mayor acknowledged the difficult situation and urged people to follow official updates.
The head of the International Air Transport Association, Willie Walsh, questioned how such a vital airport could be so vulnerable. “If the airport is totally dependent on a single power source without an alternative,” he said in a statement, “then it is a clear planning failure by the airport.”
Despite ongoing efforts to restore power, officials have not provided a timeline for reopening. The airport itself has not yet commented on its backup systems or contingency planning. Meanwhile, Heidi Alexander, the transport secretary, said the situation was “fast-moving” and that updates would continue as more information became available.
Adding to the seriousness of the event, Sky News reported that counter-terrorism police are involved in investigating the cause of the fire. Although officials maintain that there is “no suggestion of foul play,” the unusual failure of both primary and backup systems has raised concerns.
Heathrow’s closure is having a significant knock-on effect on international travel routes, airline schedules, and even cargo shipments. Airlines have been forced to re-route planes, cancel departures, and manage growing queues of stranded passengers at airports around the world.
For now, the message from authorities is clear: do not travel to Heathrow Airport, and monitor airline and government updates for real-time information.
