London’s Heathrow Airport was closed all day on Friday after a fire at an electrical substation caused a significant power outage. The airport, which is one of the busiest in the world, announced it would remain closed until 11pm on March 21, 2025.
The fire, which occurred just before midnight on Thursday, involved approximately 70 firefighters and 10 engines from the London Fire Brigade. Although there were no injuries, 29 people were evacuated from neighboring properties, while another 150 were evacuated from a 200-meter perimeter due to precautionary measures.
A spokesperson for Heathrow Airport said that power outage would continue until it was “reliably restored.” British Airways, United Airlines, and Lufthansa Group Airlines all issued statements addressing the impact on their passengers and flights. Passengers have been advised not to travel to the airport until further notice.
The National Grid, which owns the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales, is working with emergency services to restore power. Residents are being advised to keep doors and windows closed due to lingering smoke. The Secretary of State for Transport has urged passengers to avoid traveling to the airport and contact their airline instead.
Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/londons-heathrow-airport-closed-all-day-friday-after-fire-causes-power-outage