BBC’s business reporters, Tom Espiner and Simon Browning, shed light on the recent incident that occurred at Heathrow Airport which resulted in a shutdown lasting over a day. Prior to the closure on March 21st, Nigel Wicking, chief executive of the Heathrow Airline Operators’ Committee, raised concerns about the resilience of the airport’s power supply during discussions with Heathrow representatives.
Despite the criticisms voiced by Wicking regarding the airport’s preparedness for such an event, Heathrow’s CEO, Thomas Woldbye, defended the decision to close the airport in response to the fire, labeling it as an “unlikely event.” Woldbye emphasized the necessity of prioritizing safety and making crucial decisions during such emergencies.
In the aftermath of the airport’s shutdown, which affected over 300,000 passengers, questions have emerged about the reliability of Heathrow as a major transport hub. The incident has also prompted discussions about the broader energy resilience within the UK, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.
During the event, airlines had to divert numerous aircraft, leading to significant disruptions in air traffic operations. Wicking highlighted the challenges faced by airlines and air traffic services in managing the considerable flow of diverted flights, resulting in a high level of disruption for passengers. Despite the setbacks, efforts were made to ensure the safety of all individuals involved in the crisis
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