Heathrow Airport Shuts Down Until Midnight Due To Fire-Led Power Outage

London’s Heathrow Airport, Europe’s busiest travel hub, has been forced to close until midnight on Friday due to a massive power failure caused by a fire at a nearby electrical substation. The disruption has thrown the travel plans of thousands into disarray.

“To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23:59 on 21 March,” the airport announced on X. “Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and should contact their airline for further information. We apologise for the inconvenience.”

Flight tracking service FlightRadar24 estimated that the shutdown would impact at least 1,351 flights, while 120 aircraft already en route to Heathrow were being rerouted to alternative airports or sent back to their departure points.

The fire, which broke out in an electrical substation near the airport in Hayes, west London, sent towering flames and thick black smoke into the night sky, as seen in dramatic footage shared on social media.

The London Fire Brigade deployed 10 fire engines and around 70 firefighters to the scene. Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne described it as a “highly visible and significant incident,” adding that crews were working under challenging conditions to contain the blaze.

The fire also triggered power outages across local homes and businesses. Firefighters evacuated 29 people from nearby properties, and a 200-metre cordon was established, affecting around 150 residents. Authorities have urged locals to keep windows and doors shut due to heavy smoke.

“This will be a prolonged incident,” Goulbourne warned, adding that disruption is expected to intensify throughout the day. Commuters and travelers are advised to avoid the area and make alternative arrangements.