Heathrow Airport Closes as Fire at Electrical Substation Causes Major Travel Chaos
A significant fire at an electrical substation in Hayes, West London, has led to the complete closure of Heathrow Airport today, 21st March 2025. The blaze, which broke out late last night, triggered a major power outage affecting the airport and surrounding areas. As a result, all flights to and from Heathrow have been suspended until at least 23:59 GMT, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
The London Fire Brigade deployed ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters to contain the blaze at the substation, located less than five kilometres from Heathrow. Emergency services set up a 200-metre safety cordon, evacuating approximately 150 residents. The fire also caused widespread power cuts, leaving thousands of homes and businesses in West London without electricity.
Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, handles over 1,300 flights daily. Today’s closure has impacted 1,351 scheduled flights, resulting in mass cancellations and diversions. Airlines have advised passengers not to travel to Heathrow and to check with their carriers for the latest updates. The closure is also causing knock-on effects at other UK airports, with flights being rerouted to Gatwick, Stansted, and Manchester.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that officials are monitoring the situation closely and working to restore power as quickly as possible. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities focusing on assessing damage and ensuring safety before any flights can resume.
The disruption is expected to last beyond today, with airport officials warning of significant delays even after reopening. Passengers with upcoming flights in the next few days are urged to check their booking status and prepare for potential changes to their travel plans.
Passengers looking for official updates on Heathrow Airport’s closure and alternative travel options can visit www.heathrow.com for the latest announcements and flight information.
For more updates on this developing story, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your views in the comments.
[Image Credit: BBC News]
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
