A huge fire broke out Thursday night in Hayes, just a few miles from Heathrow Airport. The fire damaged a transformer at an electrical substation, leading to a massive power outage. Firefighters rushed to the scene and worked through the night to control the flames. The exact cause of the fire is still unknown. More than 16,000 homes lost power as a result. Videos on social media showed large flames and thick smoke rising into the sky. Officials urged people to avoid the area due to safety concerns.
Airport Announces Shutdown for Entire Day on Friday
Due to the power failure, Heathrow Airport made an emergency announcement. The airport will remain completely closed until 23:59 on March 21. This decision was made to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. Officials warned travelers not to come to the airport under any circumstances. The power supply remains unstable, and there is no clear timeline for full restoration. The closure has led to massive disruption, as Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world. Many travelers were left stranded with little information about what to do next.
Thousands of Travelers Struggle with Canceled and Diverted Flights
Many flights were canceled or redirected to other airports. Some planes were forced to turn back midair, leaving passengers stuck on board. Heathrow serves around 250,000 passengers daily, meaning thousands of travelers have been affected. Flight tracking data showed that more than 1,350 flights were impacted. At least 120 flights were already in the air when the shutdown was announced. This has caused chaos for both airlines and passengers trying to make alternate travel plans.
Passengers Stuck at Airports with No Clear Travel Plans
British passenger Christine was on a flight from New York when the announcement came. Her plane was ready for takeoff, but the pilot told them to wait. Later, the flight was officially canceled. Christine had planned to attend a wedding in the UK and worried she might miss it. Other passengers shared similar frustrations. Many were left stranded at airports, unable to book alternative flights. Airline staff struggled to provide clear answers as the situation continued to develop.
Other Airports Overcrowded as Diverted Flights Land Elsewhere
Flights originally bound for Heathrow had to be sent to other airports. Nearby airports like Gatwick and Stansted were already busy and struggled to accommodate the extra traffic. Some flights had to go as far as Glasgow or Edinburgh. Aviation experts warned that these smaller airports were not equipped to handle such a high number of diverted passengers. Travelers arriving at these airports faced long delays, crowded terminals, and confusion about their next steps. Many had to book hotels or wait hours for available flights.
Authorities Work to Restore Power and Answer Tough Questions
Officials are working around the clock to resolve the power issue. The fire also left thousands of homes without electricity, adding to the urgency of the situation. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks are trying to restore power as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, airport authorities face tough questions. Many are asking why Heathrow, a major global travel hub, did not have a backup power source. Investigations into the fire and power failure are ongoing. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updates before heading to the airport.
Heathrow Faces Major Disruptions and Uncertain Recovery Time
Heathrow is one of the world’s busiest airports, handling millions of passengers each year. It normally operates at 99% capacity, making it highly sensitive to disruptions. This unexpected closure has caused serious travel chaos and economic consequences. Officials have promised regular updates, but the timeline for full recovery remains unclear. Passengers with upcoming flights should stay informed and make alternative plans if necessary. The airport is expected to take several days to return to normal operations.
