London: Heathrow Airport, one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, faced an unprecedented shutdown on Friday after a fire at a nearby electrical substation triggered a massive power outage. The disruption led to the cancellation or diversion of at least 1,350 flights, impacting hundreds of thousands of passengers worldwide. Authorities have warned that the situation could take days to normalize, with airline operations and local infrastructure struggling to recover.
Massive Flight Disruptions Across the Globe
The sudden closure of Heathrow created a ripple effect on international air travel. Several major airlines were forced to cancel, divert, or reschedule their flights:
- Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways redirected London-bound flights to Helsinki or returned them to Tokyo.
- Qantas rerouted flights from Singapore and Perth to Paris, arranging alternative transport for passengers.
- Cathay Pacific diverted two overnight flights to Amsterdam and canceled multiple Heathrow-bound services.
- Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways also altered their schedules, redirecting flights to Frankfurt.
- United Airlines had to recall or reroute seven flights, including those departing from New York’s JFK Airport.
Adding to the chaos, National Rail services to and from Heathrow were suspended, stranding travelers with limited transport options.
Power Outage Sparks Investigation
The fire originated at an electrical substation two miles from Heathrow on Thursday night, cutting off power to over 16,300 homes and businesses. Emergency crews battled the flames for over seven hours before gaining control.
Authorities have launched an in-depth investigation into the cause of the blaze. While counter-terrorism officers were initially involved due to the fire’s impact on critical infrastructure, no evidence of foul play has been found so far.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband described the event as a “once-in-a-generation failure,” noting that both Heathrow’s primary power supply and backup systems were knocked offline.
Economic Fallout and Passenger Woes
With the airport shut down, airlines are bracing for significant financial losses. Aviation experts estimate that the impact could reach hundreds of millions of pounds, affecting airline stocks and businesses dependent on Heathrow’s operations.
Passengers stranded worldwide are facing long delays, rebookings, and hotel stays, while Heathrow staff work to restore normalcy. British Airways has started redirecting flights and urged travelers to check for real-time updates.
Schools and Local Services Disrupted
The fire’s impact extended beyond the airport, forcing several schools in the Hayes area to shut down due to power cuts. Schools affected include:
- Nestles Avenue Early Years Centre
- Pinkwell Children’s Centre
- Pinkwell Primary School
- Botwell House Catholic Primary School
- Dr. Triplett’s C of E Primary School
- The Global Academy
Government and Public Response
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the crisis, thanking emergency services and acknowledging the distress caused. He assured that authorities were closely monitoring the situation to minimize disruptions.
This shutdown is being compared to the 2010 Icelandic volcanic eruption, which grounded European air travel for nearly a week. Experts warn that Heathrow’s recovery could take several days, affecting not just passengers but also cargo transport, retailers, and airport-dependent businesses.
