EBN–London Heathrow Airport’s operator said that the largest airport in Europe was closed because of a fire at the electrical substation that provides it with power. The closure is expected to last until Friday.
Heathrow Airport Holdings said in a statement: “Heathrow Airport is experiencing a significant power outage. For the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow Airport will be closed until 23:59 (local and UTC) on 21 March.”
An airport spokesperson stated that “there is a major power outage across the airport,” and warned travelers to stay away from the airport until further notice.
The statement added: “We anticipate significant disruptions in the coming days, and we urge passengers not to travel to the airport under any circumstances until it reopens.”
According to Sky News, Heathrow Airport’s website is currently down as passengers struggle to find information.
The fire broke out at an electricity substation in Hayes, about a mile and a half away, and thousands of homes are believed to have been without power, Sky News reported.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said 10 fire engines and around 70 firefighters were at the scene in Nestles Street.
It reported that an electrical transformer inside the substation caught fire, but the cause of the fire remains unknown. Approximately 150 people were evacuated, and a 200-meter security cordon was imposed.
The Airport Holdings, a company that was formed through the privatization of the British Airports Authority, owns and runs the airport. As the busiest airport in Europe, Heathrow ranked fourth globally in terms of passenger volume and second globally in terms of international passenger volume in 2024. In 2024, Heathrow was the airport with the greatest number of international connections worldwide.
In 1930, Heathrow was established as a tiny airfield [10], but following World War II, it grew into a considerably larger airport. Situated on a 4.74 square mile (12.3 square kilometer) plot of land, it is 14 miles (23 km) west of Central London. It now features two east-west parallel runways, four operating passenger terminals, and one freight terminal after being progressively extended over 75 years. Virgin Atlantic and British Airways use the airport as their main hub.
