UK's Heathrow Airport Shut After Fire At Substation Causes Power Outage: WATCH

The Heathrow Airport said that its services will remain closed until midnight on Friday and advised people against travelling to the airport under any circumstance.

UK's Heathrow Airport has been closed after a fire at an electrical substation caused power outage.

Source : X@KolHaolam

Heathrow airport in London has been closed after a fire at an electrical substation caused a “significant power outage”, leaving thousands of homes without power. The airport will remain closed until midnight on Friday.

LONDON: Heathrow Airport has been closed after a massive fire at an electrical substation in nearby Hayes caused widespread power outages. pic.twitter.com/ruTv6Yud2H

— KolHaolam (@KolHaolam) March 21, 2025

Announcing the shutdown of services, Heathrow Airport issued a statement on X saying, "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."

In the statement, the airport also advised passengers to avoid travelling to the airport under any circumstance. "Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and should contact their airline for further information. We apologise for the inconvenience," it added.

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… pic.twitter.com/7SWNJP8ojd

— Heathrow Airport (@HeathrowAirport) March 21, 2025

Thousands Affected Due To Power Outage, Nearly 100 Evacuated

More than 16,000 homes were left without power due to the fire at an electrical substation in west London, forcing over 100 people to evacuate, The Guardian reported.

The fire broke out at a transformer within the substation, prompting 10 fire engines and about 70 firefighters on the spot at Nestles Avenue in Hayes, the report said citing the London fire brigade.

Nearly 150 people have been evacuated so far from the surrounding properties and a 200-metre cordon has been put up as a precautionary measure.

"This is a highly visible and significant incident, and our firefighters are working tirelessly in challenging conditions to bring the fire under control as swiftly as possible. The fire has caused a power outage affecting a large number of homes and local businesses, and we are working closely with our partners to minimise disruption," The Guardian quoted Assistant commissioner Pat Goulbourne as saying.

The brigade said around 200 calls had been received regarding the incident with crews from Heathrow, Hayes, Hillingdon, Southall, and surrounding areas present on the scene.

The cause of the fire was yet to be determined.

Air India Cancels Flights After Heathrow Airport Shutdown

Following the complete shutdown of operations at the Heathrow Airport, Air India issued a statement informing about the diversion and cancellation of flights.

"Our operations to and from London Heathrow (LHR) have been disrupted following the temporary suspension of operations at the airport until 23h59 London time of 21 March, after a significant power outage. Consequently, London Heathrow-bound AI129 from Mumbai is returning to Mumbai; AI161 from Delhi is diverting to Frankfurt," the statement noted.

"All our remaining flights to and from London Heathrow, including AI111 of this morning, have been cancelled for 21 March. We will update about resumption of operations as soon as we have more information. Flights to London Gatwick remain unaffected," it added.