Heathrow Airport has shut down until Saturday morning due to a fire at a nearby electricity substation, causing a major power outage. Over 1,351 flights are affected, disrupting global travel. Passengers are urged to avoid the airport as authorities work to restore power and resume normal operations.
Heathrow Airport, one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, has been forced to close operations until Saturday morning due to a fire at a nearby electricity substation, causing a significant power outage.
Airport officials confirmed that the facility would remain closed until 23:59 on March 21, 2025, citing safety concerns for passengers and staff. Authorities have urged travelers to avoid the airport until power is fully restored.
The disruption has impacted at least 1,351 flights, according to tracking service Flightradar24. This includes around 120 flights already in the air, which may be diverted or required to return to their points of origin.
With Heathrow handling nearly 84 million passengers annually and a flight taking off or landing every 45 seconds, the closure is expected to cause widespread travel chaos, affecting both domestic and international journeys.
The incident has sparked frustration among travelers, with many stranded and forced to rearrange their plans. Airlines are working to accommodate affected passengers, but no immediate solution is in sight.
As authorities work to restore power, passengers scheduled to travel through Heathrow are advised to check with their airlines for updates and seek alternative routes if necessary.
The full extent of the damage caused by the fire remains unclear, and officials have yet to confirm when normal operations will resume.
