LONDON - London Heathrow Airport has announced a temporary closure until midnight on March 21 due to a fire at an electrical substation, prompting significant disruptions for travelers. The incident not only halted flights in and out of the airport, but also left over 16,000 homes without power, causing chaos across the region.
The fire, which ignited on the evening of Thursday, March 20, in Hayes, West London, quickly escalated, leading to considerable power outages in the surrounding areas. Emergency services reported that around 150 residents were evacuated due to safety concerns, with warnings issued to keep windows closed because of the smoke. Fire crews deployed 70 firefighters and 10 fire trucks to battle the blaze, as eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion prior to the fire breaking out.
Heathrow officials shared the devastating impact of the fire on their operations, stating, “Due to the fire at the electrical substation supplying the airport, Heathrow is facing a significant power outage. To ensure the safety of our passengers and staff, Heathrow will be closed until 23:59 on March 21.” The airport’s communication issued a recommendation for passengers to avoid traveling to the facility and directed them to consult their airlines for further information. Apologies were extended for the inconveniences caused.
The ramifications of the closure were felt across international routes, particularly impacting flights to and from Warsaw. Anna Dermont, a spokeswoman for Chopin Airport in Warsaw, confirmed that six out of fourteen scheduled flights that day had been canceled, three for arrivals and three for departures. Both LOT Polish Airlines and British Airways were affected, leading to confusion and frustration among passengers eager to fly.
Dermont highlighted the ongoing concerns for travelers, stating, “We kindly ask passengers traveling today to or from London to closely monitor updates from carriers and flight status on the airport's website and airline applications.” Furthermore, Krzysztof Moczulski, a spokesperson for LOT, advised that a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) had been issued due to the airport closure and that additional flights might face cancellation.
The situation at Heathrow is expected to cause severe disruptions in the coming days, with airport officials alerting travelers to prepare for ongoing challenges. “Passengers should be prepared for significant disruptions in the coming days,” warned the spokesperson for Heathrow, underlining the scale of the crisis at one of the world's busiest airports.
As the situation continues to evolve, residents of Hayes and travelers relying on Heathrow must navigate a challenging period disrupted by the fire. With power restoration efforts currently underway, it remains critical for affected individuals to stay informed and adhere to official guidance.
In the wake of this significant incident, it is clear that in addition to immediate operational disruptions, there are broader implications for the local community in Hayes and for air travel at large, as connections are increasingly strained due to ongoing power issues.
