London: Heathrow Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, has been forced to shut down entirely for the day following a massive fire at a nearby electrical substation. The blaze led to a major power outage, severely impacting flight operations and causing widespread disruption to international travel.
The London Fire Brigade confirmed that around 70 firefighters were deployed to tackle the fire, which broke out in West London. Thick plumes of smoke and towering flames were visible from a distance, prompting the evacuation of at least 150 people from nearby buildings. Thousands of properties in the surrounding area also experienced power outages. Officials have yet to determine the cause of the fire.
Flight Chaos and Global Impact
As a direct consequence of the power failure, Heathrow Airport announced its closure until 11:59 PM on March 21, advising passengers not to travel to the airport. The disruption has sent shockwaves through the global aviation network, as Heathrow serves as a crucial hub for international flights.
At least 120 inbound flights were forced to divert to other airports, with major airlines rerouting their planes mid-air. Flights from Qantas, United Airlines, and British Airways were among those redirected, with some aircraft returning to their points of departure in the United States, Australia, and Europe.
According to flight tracking data, at least 1,351 scheduled flights to and from Heathrow have been affected, marking one of the most significant disruptions in the airport’s history. The situation is expected to cause continued delays and logistical challenges for airlines as they attempt to reposition aircraft and crew.
Concerns Over Long-Term Disruptions
A Heathrow spokesperson stated that there is no clarity on when power will be fully restored, raising concerns about extended disruptions in the coming days. Travel experts warn that the aftermath of the shutdown could last well beyond Friday, as airlines struggle to accommodate thousands of displaced passengers and rearrange their schedules.
“The closure of Heathrow is a major global event,” said aviation analyst Henry Harteveldt. “It’s not just about today’s flights—this will create a ripple effect across multiple continents, affecting airline networks for days.”
Passenger Guidance
Stranded passengers have been advised to check with their airlines for rebooking options. While compensation may not be guaranteed due to the extraordinary nature of the event, airlines are expected to provide assistance, including food and accommodations for those facing extended delays.
Authorities and airport management are working to restore normal operations as soon as possible. However, with Heathrow handling over 200,000 passengers daily, the disruption is expected to be one of the most significant aviation crises in recent years.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
