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Heathrow Airport Faces Full-Day Closure Following Electrical Substation Fire
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A severe fire at an electrical substation in Hayes, West London, has caused a major power outage, forcing Heathrow Airport to close its operations until midnight on Friday, March 21. The decision to shut down was made to ensure the safety of passengers and staff, according to a statement from Heathrow authorities.
The fire has significantly impacted the airport’s power supply, leading to the suspension of all flights and other operations. Officials have strongly advised travelers to refrain from heading to the airport and to contact their respective airlines for updates.
“We deeply regret the inconvenience caused but must prioritize safety during this situation,” a Heathrow spokesperson said, adding that crews are working diligently to address the crisis.
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Fire Incident and Local Impact
The fire broke out late Thursday night at a substation in Hayes, prompting a swift response from emergency services. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) dispatched 10 fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters to the scene. The incident has also led to the evacuation of around 150 nearby residents and the establishment of a 200-meter safety cordon.
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulborne of the LFB stated, “This is a challenging and prolonged incident. Our teams are working tirelessly to bring the fire under control, but it will take time.” Residents in the affected area have been urged to keep their windows and doors closed due to heavy smoke.
Power Outages Affect Thousands
The fire has left more than 16,300 homes in the surrounding areas without electricity. Energy supplier Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks confirmed the widespread outage, noting that crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible.
The LFB reported receiving nearly 200 emergency calls about the fire, which began at 11:23 PM on Thursday. The exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Travel Chaos at Heathrow
As the UK’s largest airport, Heathrow handles approximately 1,300 flights daily and served 83.9 million passengers in 2024. The sudden closure has caused significant travel disruption, with thousands of passengers stranded.
Authorities have emphasized that travelers should avoid coming to the airport under any circumstances until operations resume.
“This is an unprecedented event, and we are doing everything in our power to resolve the issue and minimize the disruption,” said the spokesperson.
Safety First
While the fire continues to affect the area, emergency services are focused on ensuring public safety. Updates on the restoration of power and the reopening of Heathrow will be provided as soon as possible.
For now, passengers and residents are urged to remain patient and follow guidance from local authorities and service providers.
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