Heathrow Airport, the busiest airport in the UK, had to shut down due to a fire at a nearby electrical substation, causing widespread disruption to flights around the world. More than 1,300 flights were impacted, with passengers being advised not to travel to the airport until further notice. The blaze at the North Hyde substation in Hayes, west London, led to a major power outage at the airport, prompting its closure.
The cause of the fire at the substation is still unknown, with emergency services having been called to the scene in the early hours of the morning. The London Fire Brigade managed to bring the fire under control, but its proximity to the airport resulted in significant disruption. Videos shared on social media showed tall flames and smoke billowing from the substation, leading to road closures and advice for nearby residents to keep their doors and windows closed.
Heathrow Airport is expected to remain closed until at least 23:59 on March 21, with authorities warning of continued disruption in the coming days. Passengers have been advised to contact their airlines for further information, as the airport does not have clarity on when power may be reliably restored. The closure of the airport also affected thousands of homes in west London, leaving many without power and leading to evacuations and school closures within the affected areas.
The investigation into the cause of the fire at the substation will involve counter-terrorism officers from the Metropolitan Police as a precautionary measure. While there is no direct evidence of sabotage, their involvement aims to quickly rule out foul play. As airlines scramble to adjust their schedules and accommodate affected passengers, disruptions are expected to continue. Airlines like Virgin Atlantic and United Airlines have already canceled or diverted flights, while others are preparing for potential impacts on their services
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
