London Heathrow Airport (LHR) faced an unprecedented shutdown after a severe power outage disrupted operations overnight. The closure is expected to impact at least 1,350 flights scheduled for Friday, causing significant travel disruptions.
Authorities reported that the outage resulted from a fire at a nearby electrical substation, which supplies power to the airport. Passengers scheduled to depart from Heathrow on Friday have been advised to avoid traveling to the airport.
In an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), Heathrow Airport confirmed that it would remain closed until 23:59 on Friday.
“Due to a fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport, Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage. To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23h59 on 21 March. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and should contact their airline for further information. We apologise for the inconvenience.”
The London Fire Brigade confirmed receiving emergency calls regarding the fire at an electrical substation on Nestles Avenue in Hayes late Thursday night. Fire crews from Hayes, Heathrow, Hillingdon, Southhall, and other nearby fire stations were immediately dispatched to contain the blaze.
Firefighters Battle the Blaze
A total of 10 fire engines and 70 firefighters were deployed to combat the fire. Authorities revealed that the blaze caused power disruptions affecting numerous homes and local businesses.
“The fire has caused a power outage affecting a large number of homes and local businesses, and we are working closely with our partners to minimise disruption. This will be a prolonged incident, with crews remaining on scene throughout the night. As we head into the morning, disruption is expected to increase, and we urge people to avoid the area wherever possible,”
Footage from the incident showed massive flames engulfing the substation, with smoke billowing hundreds of feet into the sky.
Over 1,350 Flights Disrupted
FlightAware data revealed that as of 05:00 GMT on Friday, Heathrow Airport had recorded 93 flight cancellations. However, Flightradar24 projected that the closure would impact at least 1,351 flights to and from the airport.
Due to the shutdown, numerous flights were either diverted or forced to return to their origin airports. As of 04:30 GMT, diverted aircraft were being handled at the following 20 airports:
FlightAware data revealed that as of 05:00 GMT on Friday, Heathrow Airport had recorded 93 flight cancellations. However, Flightradar24 projected that the closure would impact at least 1,351 flights to and from the airport.
Due to the shutdown, numerous flights were either diverted or forced to return to their origin airports. As of 04:30 GMT, diverted aircraft were being handled at the following 20 airports:
- London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
- Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Shannon Airport (SNN)
- Bangor International Airport (BGR)
- Birmingham Airport (BHX)
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- Helsinki Airport (HEL)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)
- Sangster International Airport (MBJ)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Flightradar24 also shared a time-lapse video depicting the sudden redirection of flights following the shutdown of Heathrow Airport.
The incident marks one of the most significant disruptions in recent years, with travelers and airlines left scrambling to adjust their schedules.
Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’
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