Heathrow Airport has been forced to shut down for the entire day due to a severe power outage, which was triggered by a fire at a nearby electrical substation. In a statement released on its official channels, the airport confirmed that fire crews are on-site, but there is no clear timeline for when power will be fully restored.
Airport Statement and Travel Advisory
To ensure the safety of travelers and staff, Heathrow has announced it will remain closed until 23:59 on 21 March 2025. Authorities are strongly advising passengers not to travel to the airport and instead to reach out to their respective airlines for further updates.
“We understand the disruption this will cause and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience,” the statement read. “We are working diligently to resolve the situation as soon as possible.”
Widespread Disruption Expected
The closure is expected to have significant repercussions for travel over the coming days. Heathrow, one of the busiest airports in the world, handles thousands of passengers daily, making the suspension of operations a major logistical challenge. Airlines and transport providers are now working to manage flight diversions and accommodate affected passengers.
Other Airports Offer Assistance
As Heathrow remains non-operational, other airports are stepping in to assist where possible. Gatwick Airport, in particular, has issued a statement confirming its readiness to support operations and accommodate any rerouted flights.
“We are aware of the ongoing situation at Heathrow and are prepared to provide assistance if needed,” a Gatwick spokesperson stated. “Flights from London Gatwick are running as scheduled.”
Ongoing Updates
Travelers are encouraged to stay informed through their airline’s customer service channels and Heathrow Airport’s official platforms for real-time updates. The British media will continue to monitor the situation as further developments unfold.