Heathrow Airport Closure Due to Fire: Over 1300 Flights Affected
Heathrow Airport in London has experienced a complete shutdown due to a fire at an electrical substation, creating a significant power outage that may disrupt air travel for days to come. As of early Friday morning, the airport reported that more than 1300 flights would be affected by this unprecedented closure, which raises serious concerns for the 220,000 passengers who are either departing from or arriving at the busy terminal.
The fire broke out at the Hayes substation that supplies power to Heathrow, resulting in immediate safety concerns which led the airport operator to announce it would remain closed until at least 1159 GMT on March 21. Travelers were advised against coming to the airport and were urged to contact airlines for updates. Flightradar24, the system monitoring global air traffic, noted that the closure could result in severe complications as it does not account for additional delays and cancellations.
Earlier reports indicated that around 120 flights needed to be diverted to other airports or returned to their origin points due to the power failure. British Airways, the airline most impacted by the disruptions, acknowledged the challenging situation to passengers and reassured them that alternative travel options were being communicated as promptly as possible.
The fire at the electrical substation has not only disrupted flights but has also left around 100,000 homes in the vicinity without electricity. British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband referred to the incident as catastrophic, emphasizing that it is an unprecedented event that had significant effects beyond the airport.
Emergency services have taken control of the situation, with the London Fire Brigade stating that they have deployed ten units and about 70 personnel to manage the flames. A 200-meter safety cordon has been established for public safety, and residents in the affected areas are being cautioned to keep their doors and windows closed due to the heavy smoke.
Authorities are conducting ongoing assessments of the situation, focusing on the cause of the fire, which remains unknown. Meanwhile, passengers and airlines are left grappling with the operational fallout of this disruption, with the timeline for restoration of services still unclear.
The incident has drawn attention to the resiliency of the infrastructure supporting transportation and essential services in major urban areas like London, and the need to prepare for unforeseen emergencies that can impact thousands of lives.
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