Heathrow fire closure left thousands of passengers stranded and disrupted more than 1,350 flights. The closure, which began early Friday, followed a massive blaze at the North Hyde electrical substation that cut power to the airport, causing widespread delays and diversions.
Heathrow Fire Closure Shuts Down Airport for a Day
Britain’s Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest travel hubs in Europe, remained shut all day Friday after a fire at a nearby electrical substation knocked out power. The fire, which started late Thursday night, caused significant disruption to international flights, with impacts expected to last for days.
Flight tracking service FlightRadar24 reported that at least 1,350 flights to and from Heathrow were affected. Many passengers found themselves stranded, while others were diverted to airports like Gatwick, Paris’ Charles de Gaulle, and Shannon in Ireland.
Stranded Passengers Face Lengthy Delays After Heathrow Fire Closure
When Heathrow fire closure occurred, the impact on travellers was immediate and severe. Passengers aboard at least 120 flights already en route to Heathrow faced sudden changes. Some flights were turned around mid-air, while others were redirected to alternate destinations.
Lawrence Hayes, a passenger flying from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, was among those affected. His Virgin Atlantic flight was diverted to Glasgow. “It was a red-eye flight, and I’ve already had a long day,” he told the BBC. “Luckily, my wife booked me a train to get back to London, but it’s going to be an exhausting journey.”
Firefighters Battle Massive Blaze Behind Heathrow Fire Closure
The fire erupted late Thursday night at the North Hyde electrical substation, just two miles from Heathrow. The London Fire Brigade responded swiftly, sending 10 fire engines and around 70 firefighters to the scene.
According to Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne, “This was a very visible and significant incident, and our firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent further spread.” The blaze was brought under control after a seven-hour battle.
Cause of Heathrow Fire Closure Remains Unknown
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband described the fire as an “unprecedented event” and confirmed that authorities were still investigating the cause. The blaze not only damaged the primary power source but also knocked out the airport’s backup power system.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks reported that over 16,300 homes in the area also experienced power outages. About 150 local residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Heathrow Fire Closure Disrupts Global Travel
Heathrow fire closure created ripple effects across global air travel. United Airlines confirmed that seven of its flights were either canceled or redirected. Singapore Airlines diverted its overnight flight to Frankfurt, while other international carriers faced similar challenges.
At least two flights from Taiwan to London were affected. A China Airlines flight returning to Taiwan and an EVA Air flight was held in Bangkok while the airline assessed the situation.
The FlightAware website showed numerous cancellations, including Delta Airlines and American Airlines flights from New York’s JFK Airport.
Impact of Heathrow Fire Closure Expected to Last Several Days
Aviation consultant Anita Mendiratta warned that the disruption could last up to four days. “Once Heathrow reopens, the backlog will take time to clear. Aircraft and crew are out of position, making rescheduling a complex task,” she said.
Heathrow officials confirmed the airport would remain closed until at least 11:59 p.m. Friday. “Passengers should not travel to the airport until further notice,” the statement read.
National Rail also suspended all train services to and from the airport, adding to the logistical challenges faced by travelers and airport staff.
Comparisons to Past Travel Disruptions Due to Heathrow Fire Closure
The airport’s closure brought back memories of other major travel disruptions. In 2010, Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted, grounding flights across Europe for weeks due to ash clouds. More recently, a 2023 breakdown in Britain’s air traffic control system caused widespread delays.
Despite the current setback, Heathrow continues to play a crucial role in global aviation. Earlier this year, the U.K. government approved plans to build a third runway at the airport to boost economic growth and improve international connectivity.
Passengers Advised to Monitor Flights Amid Heathrow Fire Closure
As Heathrow fire closure continues, officials urged passengers to stay informed. Travellers were advised to check their flight status regularly and avoid heading to the airport until operations resumed.
The disruption not only affected commercial flights but also impacted cargo services, further complicating the logistics of rerouting goods and essential supplies.
Future Steps and Investigation After Heathrow Fire Closure
Authorities pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the substation fire and review emergency protocols to prevent future incidents. The Energy Department is working closely with Heathrow and electrical providers to restore power and resume normal operations.
The closure underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to unexpected disasters and the cascading effects on global mobility. For now, passengers and airlines face an uncertain few days as the situation unfolds and efforts to restore full airport functionality continue.
