By News On Date 
London Heathrow Airport Shuts Down: Fire Causes Major Power Outage, Airlines Rush to Rebook Flights
London Heathrow Airport shuts down for an entire day following a fire at an electrical substation, causing a major power outage. The unexpected shutdown has left hundreds of flights canceled, stranding thousands of passengers and forcing airlines into crisis mode to rebook affected travelers.
Authorities confirmed that Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest airports, will remain closed until 23:59 on March 21, prioritizing passenger and staff safety.
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. Passengers should contact their airlines for rebooking details and avoid traveling to the airport,” Heathrow officials announced on X.
Airlines Scramble as London Heathrow Airport Shuts Down
With Heathrow out of operation, major airlines, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways, have either canceled or rerouted flights.
- British Airways: All flights redirected to alternative UK airports.
- Virgin Atlantic: Canceled flights until at least 9:30 p.m. London time.
- KLM & Air France: Rebooking passengers on alternate routes.
- Air India & Qatar Airways: Some flights diverted to Frankfurt and Brussels.
Passengers have been advised to check their flight status online before heading to any airport, as delays and disruptions continue.
What Caused the Heathrow Shutdown?
The fire broke out late Thursday at an electrical substation on Nestles Avenue in Hayes, knocking out power to large sections of the airport and surrounding areas.
The London Fire Brigade dispatched 70 firefighters and 10 engines, who battled the flames until they brought the fire under control by 6:30 a.m. Friday.
“This was a highly visible and complex incident, and our firefighters worked tirelessly in challenging conditions to prevent further damage,” said Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne.
While there were no reported injuries, 29 people were evacuated from nearby buildings, and an additional 150 individuals relocated from the area as a precaution.
Power Outage Creates Ripple Effect Across UK Travel Industry
London Heathrow Airport shuts down, has impacted across the UK and Europe.
- Inbound flights rerouted to other European airports.
- Passengers stranded as airlines struggle to accommodate cancellations.
- Significant financial losses expected for airlines due to hotel, meal, and transport reimbursements.
- Stock market impact, with shares of British Airways’ parent company (IAG) dropping 2.5% in response.
UK Officials and Emergency Services Respond
UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed she is monitoring the fast-moving situation and urged travelers to stay informed through airline updates.
“I’m grateful to emergency responders and National Grid for their efforts in restoring power. Passengers should avoid Heathrow and check with their airlines for updates,” Alexander posted on X.
What Travelers Need to Do Next
If you’re scheduled to travel through Heathrow Airport, here’s what you need to do:
✅ DO NOT travel to Heathrow until further notice.
✅ Check your flight status online before heading to any airport.
✅ Expect delays even after the airport reopens.
✅ Airlines are offering free rebooking, so stay updated.
✅ Monitor Heathrow’s official website & airline notifications for real-time updates.
When Will Heathrow Airport Reopen?
As of now, Heathrow is set to reopen at midnight on March 21, but further delays are possible depending on power restoration efforts. Emergency crews are working closely with National Grid to restore electricity and minimize further disruption.
For now, London Heathrow Airport shuts down, leaving thousands of passengers in limbo and airlines struggling to manage the fallout.
Sufiyan Khan