London’s Heathrow Airport closed on Thursday due to a fire at a nearby electrical substation, causing a significant power outage. The closure is expected to last at least through Friday, impacting over 1,300 flights and 200,000 passengers. The airport stated that it remains uncertain when power will be fully restored, leaving travelers stranded and scrambling to make alternate arrangements. The fire, involving a substation with cooling oil, started on Thursday evening and required substantial firefighting efforts. While the situation is now under control, the cause of the fire remains unknown. This disruption at one of London’s primary airports has led to chaos and confusion for passengers worldwide, with many flights being canceled or delayed. Travelers are advised to check for updates on the situation.
Heathrow Airport experienced delays on Thursday evening, with significant disruption expected in the following days. The airport advised the public not to visit until it reopened and assured passengers that they were working hard to resolve the situation. Among the affected travelers was comedian Adam Conover, who had his flight to London diverted midair while en route for a stand-up gig. The airport was affected by a fire, causing power outages in the area. Emergency services were working to control the situation, with firefighters tackling the flames in difficult conditions. National Air Traffic Services (NATS) was coordinating with Heathrow and airlines to manage the disruptions, including diverting flights to other airports. British Airways was particularly impacted by the closures, redirecting flights to alternative U.K. airports. Despite the chaos at Heathrow, operations at other British airports remained largely unaffected. Heathrow Airport, a key hub in the U.K., celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2021 after serving as a Royal Air Force airfield during World War II.
Reporters Chantal Da Silva, Zoe Holland, Patrick Smith, and Annie Hill provided coverage from London, while Phil Helsel reported from Los Angeles.
