One of the busiest airports in the world will be closed all day Friday after a fire caused a power outage.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) said it is “experiencing a significant power outage” after an electrical substation that supplies the airport caught on fire.
“To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23h59 on 21 March,” England’s premier airport posted on X.
The airport was anticipating up to 291,000 passengers on a total of 1,351 flights on Friday, Reuters reported.
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Passengers have been told to avoid the airport and to contact their individual airline for further details on new flight times.
“We apologise for the inconvenience,” Heathrow Airport wrote.
Airlines began issuing statements on Friday addressing how the 24-hour closure would impact their passengers and flights to and from the airport.
British Airways said the disruption “will clearly have a significant impact on our operation and our customers and we’re working as quickly as possible to update them on their travel options for the next 24 hours and beyond.”
The London Fire Brigade said approximately 70 firefighters and 10 engines responded to the fire just before midnight on Thursday at the electrical substation on Nestles Avenue in Hayes.
“This was a very visible and significant incident, and our firefighters worked tirelessly in challenging conditions to bring the fire under control as swiftly as possible,” Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said in a statement, adding that the fire was under control by 6:30 a.m.
Though there were no injuries, the brigade said 29 people were evacuated from neighboring properties and 150 others were evacuated from a 200-meter perimeter that was established out of precaution.
“The fire has caused a widespread power outage, affecting many homes, local businesses, and Heathrow Airport. While power has been restored to some properties, we continue to work closely with our partners to minimise disruption,” Goulbourne said.
The fire brigade will remain at the scene throughout the day to assist the National Grid, which owns the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales.
Residents are advised to keep doors and windows closed as smoke will linger in the area.
Secretary of State for Transport of the United Kingdom Heidi Alexander said she is aware of “the fast-moving situation” at Heathrow and receiving updates on progress.
“I’m grateful to emergency services responding to the fire, and National Grid for working to restore power to the airport and homes,” Alexander wrote on X. “I’d urge passengers not to travel to the airport, and contact their airline.”
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
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