Heathrow Airport Shut Down After Major Fire Causes Power Outage

Heathrow Airport, Europe’s busiest airport, was closed early Friday due to a significant fire at a nearby electrical substation, causing a major power outage. The fire, located in Hayes, a town in the London borough of Hillingdon, has resulted in significant disruption to flights and airport operations.

According to airport authorities, several flights have been diverted, and passengers are advised not to travel to the airport until it reopens.

“Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage,” the airport operator said in a statement on its website. “Passengers should not travel to the airport under any circumstances until the airport reopens.”

The London Fire Brigade reported that the fire has caused a power outage affecting a large number of homes and local businesses.

Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said, “The fire has caused a power outage affecting a large number of homes and local businesses, and we are working closely with our partners to minimise disruption.”

Firefighters are working to bring the fire under control as swiftly as possible. Goulbourne added, “This is a highly visible and significant incident, and our firefighters are working tirelessly in challenging conditions to bring the fire under control as swiftly as possible.”

The airport is expected to remain closed until just before midnight Friday (2359 GMT). Flights have been diverted to other airports, including Paris’ Charles de Gaulle and Ireland’s Shannon. Heathrow Airport handles over 80 million passengers annually.