London Heathrow Airport – A major fire at an electrical substation near London’s Heathrow Airport has caused a complete shutdown, leading to widespread flight cancellations and delays. The incident has disrupted global travel, affecting thousands of passengers
Fire Incident Details of london heathrow airport
- Location & Time: The fire broke out at the North Hyde electrical substation in Hayes, West London, at around 11:23 PM GMT on March 20, 2025.
- Emergency Response: The London Fire Brigade deployed ten fire engines and seventy firefighters to contain the blaze. A 650-foot safety cordon was set up, and approximately 150 people were evacuated for safety.
- Power Outage: The fire caused a massive power failure, affecting over 16,000 homes and businesses in the surrounding area.
Impact on london heathrow airport
- Complete Closure: Heathrow Airport announced a full shutdown until at least midnight on March 21, 2025, due to the power outage.
- Flight Cancellations: Over 1,350 flights have been canceled, leaving nearly 290,000 passengers stranded.
- Flight Diversions: Incoming flights were rerouted to alternative airports, including Gatwick, Charles de Gaulle, and Shannon.
Government & Industry Response
- Official Statement: UK Energy Minister Ed Miliband called the fire “catastrophic,” highlighting that even Heathrow’s backup power system had been affected.
- Investigation Underway: Authorities are examining the cause of the fire to improve infrastructure resilience and prevent future incidents.
Passenger Advisory on london heathrow airport
- Travelers scheduled to fly via Heathrow are advised to contact their airlines for rebooking options.
- Passengers should avoid traveling to the airport until further notice.
This incident marks one of the most severe disruptions at Heathrow in years, with full recovery expected to take several days.
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on available reports at the time of writing. Flight schedules, airport operations, and official responses may change as the situation develops. Travelers are advised to check with airlines and official sources for real-time updates.
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