Heathrow Airport Shut Down for Entire Day Following Electrical Fire
Heathrow Airport in London, the UK’s primary airport and a major European transit hub, faces a complete shutdown for the entire day due to a power blackout caused by a fire at a nearby electrical substation. This incident was announced in the early hours of Friday morning, prompting significant disruptions across the aviation sector. Over 120 planes have already been forced to change their flight paths, while many more flights are anticipated to be cancelled or redirected to alternative airports throughout the day.
Heathrow handles over 1,300 flights daily, encompassing both takeoffs and landings, making it a critical node for both domestic and international air travel. The fire that sparked this widespread disruption occurred in an electrical substation located in Hayes, a small town west of London. This substation plays a vital role in the transmission of energy produced by power plants to various locations.
The fire was reported to have started around 11:30 PM on Thursday night, leading to the evacuation of over 150 residents from nearby areas as a precautionary measure. The precise cause of the fire remains unknown, and firefighters are currently engaged in efforts to extinguish the blaze.
As this incident continues to unfold, passengers are advised to check their flight status with airlines for updates and potential alternate travel arrangements. The impact of this closure not only disrupts travel plans but also poses significant challenges for airlines, passengers, and the broader travel industry as they adapt to the cascading effects of the airport's operational pause.
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