London’s Heathrow Airport Shut Down Due to Nearby Electricity Substation Fire
Heathrow Airport Closed Due to Fire at Nearby Electricity Substation
Heathrow Airport has announced its closure until midnight tonight due to a significant fire at a nearby electricity substation.
A spokesperson indicated that the airport is currently experiencing a major power outage and advised travelers to avoid the area until further updates are provided.
The statement noted, “While fire crews are on the scene, we do not know when power will be reliably restored. To ensure the safety of our passengers and staff, we must close Heathrow until 23:59 on March 21, 2025.”
Passengers are warned to refrain from traveling to the airport during this period as significant disruptions are expected in the coming days.
The fire, which is located approximately 1.5 miles away in Hayes, has left thousands of homes without electricity. Dramatic images reveal large flames and thick black smoke rising from the site.
Heathrow, one of the busiest airports globally, welcomed a record 83.9 million passengers in 2024. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) is on the scene with ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters responding to the incident on Nestles Avenue. Approximately 150 individuals have been evacuated, and a 200-meter cordon has been established. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
To date, LFB has received over 190 calls regarding the fire, with the first reported at 11:23 PM. Local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to the significant smoke.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks reported at 12:23 AM that a “widespread power cut” is affecting Hayes, Hounslow, and surrounding areas, but they anticipate restoration efforts to conclude by 3 AM. According to their website, around 16,000 homes may be impacted.
Firefighters from Heathrow as well as those from Hayes, Hillingdon, Southall, and additional local stations are actively participating in the response to the situation.
It’s unfortunate to hear about the situation at Heathrow Airport due to the fire at the nearby electricity substation. With a significant power outage causing such disruptions, safety must be the top priority for everyone involved. The response from the London Fire Brigade sounds robust, and it’s good to know that they have deployed a considerable number of firefighters to contain the situation.
Travelers planning to use Heathrow should heed the advice to stay away until it reopens, as the chaos and uncertainty surrounding power restoration can lead to further complications. It’s also concerning for the residents in the surrounding areas who are affected by the power cut and the smoke from the fire. Hopefully, the situation is resolved quickly and safely, allowing normal operations to resume soon. It’s a reminder of how interconnected our infrastructure is and how quickly things can change. Let’s hope for a swift resolution!