A huge fire near Heathrow has caused a power outage, forcing the airport to shut until at least midnight tonight and warn of more disruption over the next few days.
The airport has reported a ‘significant power outage’ due to the fire, which started at on Thursday night (20 March), at an electrical substation that serves Heathrow. It has told passengers not to travel to the airport.
Heathrow said: “To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23:59 on 21 March.”
A spokesperson said: “We expect significant disruption over the coming days and passengers should not travel to the airport under any circumstances until the airport reopens.
“We will provide an update when more information on the resumption of operations is available. We know this will be disappointing for passengers and we want to reassure that we are working as hard as possible to resolve the situation.”
Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 said 120 Heathrow-bound flights that were already in the air when the closure was announced have either had to divert or turn back. It says at least 1,351 flights to and from Heathrow will be affected.
Airline analytics company Cirium said Heathrow was scheduled to see 665 departures today, equating to over 145,094 seats. A further 669 flights were due to arrive today, equating to 145,836 seats. British Airways has the largest share of flights from the airport (51%), followed by Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa.
Gatwick Airport said it is ‘accepting diverted flights as required’ and added its flights are operating as normal.
British Airways said the closure will have a ‘significant impact’ on its operation, adding: “We’re working as quickly as possible to update them on their travel options for the next 24 hours and beyond.
“Where possible, we’re redirecting inbound flights already on their way to Heathrow to other UK airports.”
It added: “Customers due to travel from Heathrow on Friday are advised not to travel to the airport until further notice.”
The fire has left thousands of homes without power and the cause is not yet known.
Around 70 firefighters and 10 fire engines are at the site, in Hayes. London Fire Brigade said at 8am the fire was under control. “Part of a transformer within the substation remains alight,” it said.
“As we head into the morning, disruption is expected to increase, and we urge people to avoid the area wherever possible,” it said.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander tweeted on X just before 8am to say: “I’m receiving updates on the fast-moving situation at Heathrow Airport.
“I’d urge passengers not to travel to the airport and contact their airline.”
