Heathrow Airport, the busiest airport in the world, was shut still in the middle of the night because of a major power outage. A massive fire in a substation in the western part of the city was responsible for the power outage that plunged around 16,000 homes into darkness. The airport shutdown affected around 1351 inbound as well as outbound flights. Around 159 people were also evacuated from the affected area. If you are someone who wants to know more about the Heathrow Airport shutdown and the power outage, this article is for you.
Heathrow Airport Fire And Power Outage
Fire Brigade Actively Fighting The Massive Blaze
According to the reports, the London Fire Brigade department is actively trying to extinguish the fire that has affected thousands. It has deployed around 10 fire engines and 70 firefighters along with a 200-metre safety cordon on the location. The fire broke out at a substation in Hayes in London’s Hillingdon borough. The local residents of the area are ordered to stay inside their homes and keep their doors as well as their windows shut. This is to protect them from the heaps of smoke rising in the air. The substation is still ablaze and the firefighters are trying their best to get the situation back in control.
Heathrow Airport’s Official Advisory
After the fire broke out in London, the officials of the Heathrow Airport took over its X handle and issued an official advisory for the travelers. The passengers were advised not to travel and establish contact with their respective airlines for further details. In its official statement on X, the officials informed that a fire at the substation supplying electricity to the airport, Heathrow Airport, is experiencing a major power outage. The statement further said that to assure the safety of the passengers as well as their colleagues, the airport will remain shut till 11.59 PM on the 21st of March 2025.
Heathrow Airport Authorities Warn About Significant Disruptions
A spokesperson from the Heathrow Airport management addressed the situation after the massive power outage and airport shutdown. They mentioned how the fire crew is trying their best to get control over the situation. However, the airport authorities still do not have any clarity about when the power may be reliably restored. The spokesperson assured that the authorities are working as hard as possible to resolve the situation. Several flights that were scheduled for landing have already been diverted. The airport authorities have issued warnings about significant disruptions over the coming days. The flights that are going to and fro from the Gatwick airport remain unaffected and the airport is accepting diverting flights from Heathrow.
Statement From The Scottish and Southern Electricity Network
The Scottish and Southern Electricity Network is responsible for the supply of electricity to more than 4 million homes in England as well as Scotland. It was reported that the fire broke out at the North Hyde substation. The authorities, in the official statement, informed that they are aware that the widespread power cut has affected many customers. The areas affected by the outage mentioned in the official statement are Hayes, Hounslow, and surrounding areas. The statement reported that the site had been evacuated. It also mentioned how the safety of the residents, along with the colleagues and emergency teams, is their highest priority.
Public Reactions On Heathrow Airport Fire And Power Outage
Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and a hub for travelers. After the news of the airport shutdown broke out, the affected travelers flooded the internet with complaints. Some of the users even slammed the power outage and the airport closure as an embarrassment. Many also questioned the lack of power backups or generators.
