Heathrow Airport Closure: Major Fire Causes Disruption

Heathrow Airport, renowned as the fourth busiest airport worldwide, has been forced to shut down following a significant fire incident that has impacted its operational power. This closure is expected to create substantial disruptions for international travel and business operations.

Details of the Closure

The airport will remain closed until 11:59 PM BST on March 21, 2025, as confirmed by an airport spokesperson, citing safety concerns for passengers and staff during ongoing firefighting efforts. The spokesperson stated, “We have decided to close Heathrow until 23H59 on March 21, 2025, to keep passengers and colleagues safe.”

Passengers intending to travel are strongly advised to refrain from heading to the airport during this period. The spokesperson warned of potential significant travel disruptions extending into the coming days.

Impact of the Closure

According to recent reports, the closure is likely to affect around 200,000 passengers and result in the cancellation or rescheduling of approximately 1,300 flights. During February 2025 alone, Heathrow saw a record passenger volume of 5.7 million, with a total of 83.9 million travelers recorded in 2024.

Cause of the Fire

The fire originated at an electrical substation in Hayes, located in West London, late Thursday night. Fire crews managed to bring the situation under control by 6:28 AM GMT on Friday. The incident prompted the evacuation of several nearby residential properties as a safety precaution.

Heathrow has experienced a major power outage due to fires at current engines supplied to the airport. To maintain safety for passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23H59 on March 21st. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport.

Ongoing Updates

This situation is evolving, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Authorities are working diligently to resolve the impact of the fire and restore normal operations as quickly as possible.