London [UK]: London’s Heathrow Airport announced a complete shutdown for the entire day on Friday following a fire at an electrical substation supplying power to the airport.
In a statement on X, Heathrow authorities confirmed the closure, emphasizing passenger and staff safety. Travelers were advised not to visit the airport and to contact their airlines for further updates.
“Due to a fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport, Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage. To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23h59 on 21 March. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and should contact their airline for further information. We apologise for the inconvenience,” the statement read.
One of the world’s busiest airports, Heathrow also warned of “significant disruptions” in the coming days, as officials remain uncertain about when power will be fully restored.
Fire and Emergency Response
The London Fire Brigade reported that a transformer within an electrical substation in Hayes, West London, caught fire. Around 70 firefighters and 10 fire trucks were deployed to combat the blaze.
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne described the incident as “highly visible and significant,” adding, “Our firefighters are working tirelessly in challenging conditions to bring the fire under control as swiftly as possible.”
The fire has caused power outages across local homes and businesses, with officials enforcing a 200-metre safety cordon and evacuating approximately 150 people. Firefighters also led 29 individuals to safety from nearby properties.
Authorities expect continued disruption as efforts to contain the fire continue. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and further updates are awaited.