Heathrow Airport, the United Kingdom's largest airport, is facing a significant disruption due to a power outage caused by a large fire at a nearby electrical substation. The fire took place in the town of Hayes, about a mile and a half north of the airport. As a result, Heathrow has been closed until 23:59 on 21 March 2025, to ensure the safety of passengers and airport staff. This closure will cause significant disruptions for days to come.
The substation fire has left thousands of homes in the area without power. As a result, over 150 residents from surrounding buildings were forced to evacuate for their own safety. Ten fire engines and at least 70 firefighters have been deployed to tackle the blaze, with half of a transformer within the substation still burning. The ongoing electrical outage has already canceled hundreds of individual flights. Heathrow’s decision is leaving thousands of passengers delayed as their operations come to a halt.
"To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23:59 on 21 March," stated Heathrow Airport.
Passengers are asked in the strongest possible terms not to travel to Heathrow until it reopens. The airport said travelers should reach out directly to their airlines for more information about their flight options going forward.
"Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and should contact their airline for further information," Heathrow Airport advised.
The ongoing crisis has led airlines to preemptively cancel flights that would go to London Heathrow. That’s why United Airlines has announced that, given the situation, its Friday flights to the airport will be cancelled.
"Friday flights to London Heathrow are being cancelled," confirmed United Airlines.
Gatwick Airport, another major London airport, remains unaffected by the power outage and is operating flights as usual. Gatwick officials have indicated that they are well-prepared to provide assistance should it be needed.
"We are aware of the situation at Heathrow Airport today and stand ready to support as required," stated Gatwick Airport.
"Flights are operating from London Gatwick as normal today," Gatwick Airport added.
The blaze at the substation is being blamed for a nearby power outage. This change has caused massive disruption to operations at Heathrow and harmed local residents. The emergency services are still working to bring the situation under control and hopefully prevent further damage at the substation fire.