Heathrow Airport Closure Due to Fire

Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, has come to a standstill after a significant power outage caused by a fire at a nearby electrical substation. The airport, which handles around 1,300 flights daily, has been shut down for the entire day on Friday, leaving travelers stranded and throwing global travel plans into disarray.

The disruption began early on Friday, when a fire at the North Hyde substation in western London knocked out power to Heathrow. The fire, which started around 4 a.m. local time, is still being contained by the London Fire Brigade hours later. The flames left more than 16,000 homes and businesses without power, including the vital infrastructure supporting Heathrow Airport.

As of now, Heathrow officials have confirmed that the airport will remain closed until 11:59 p.m. local time, and the airport urges passengers to avoid traveling to Heathrow until further notice.

The airport handles 1,300 flights a day, so the closure has caused massive disruption. Around 120 flights that were en route to Heathrow have been diverted to other airports, including London Gatwick, Charles de Gaulle in Paris, and airports in Ireland and Canada, according to flight tracking site Flightradar24.

British Airways, which uses Heathrow as its main hub, announced that they are redirecting some of their flights to other UK airports to minimize disruption. However, passengers already on the way to the airport have been informed that their flights will be diverted.

The airport’s closure has caused significant ripples across the globe. Flights bound for Heathrow from various destinations, including New York, Paris, and Madrid, are being diverted. One such passenger, Warren Hu, a college student from New York, shared his experience on social media, describing how his flight was already in the air when passengers were informed that it had to return to New York. “I’m a bit surprised,” he said. “But we can find a solution, so I’m trying to stay calm.”

For many travelers, this unexpected turn of events means not just delays, but confusion and uncertainty about how their travel plans will unfold.

The fire at the substation not only affected Heathrow, but also led to power outages in surrounding areas. According to Pat Goulbourne, assistant commissioner at the London Fire Brigade, around 150 people were evacuated from the area around the substation as a precautionary measure. Emergency services continue to monitor the situation, and the fire is still being tackled as of the latest updates.

More than 16,000 homes and businesses were left without power, and the power utility, Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks, is working to restore service as quickly as possible.

With Heathrow being one of the busiest travel hubs in the world, the closure is expected to lead to a ripple effect on flights across the globe. Travelers should be prepared for cancellations, delays, and potential diversions in the coming days.

• US Deports Gang Members to El Salvador

Here are some key points for travelers to keep in mind:

1. Heathrow Closure: The airport will remain closed until 11:59 p.m. local time. Passengers should not attempt to go to the airport during this period.
2. Flight Diverts: At least 120 flights destined for Heathrow have been diverted to other airports, including London Gatwick, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and several airports in Canada and Ireland.
3. Airline Information: British Airways and other airlines are working to redirect flights and assist passengers with alternative travel arrangements.
4. Power Outages: The fire has caused significant power outages in the area, affecting not just the airport but also local homes and businesses.
5. Travel Delays: Given the scale of the disruption, passengers should expect delays in the coming days. It is advisable to check with airlines for the latest updates on flight statuses.