Heathrow Airport Closed for 24 Hours Due to Power Substation Fire
London’s Heathrow Airport, the largest in the UK, will remain completely closed for 24 hours on Friday due to a sudden fire at a nearby power substation. As a result, more than 16,000 homes in the surrounding area have lost electricity. Authorities have evacuated around 150 people to safer locations following the incident.
Heathrow Airport Issues Advisory for Passengers
In an official statement on ‘X’, Heathrow Airport authorities announced, “For the safety of our passengers and staff, we are compelled to keep Heathrow Airport closed for the entire day on Friday. We request travelers to avoid coming to the airport until further notice.”
Massive Firefighting Effort Underway
The London Fire Brigade deployed 10 fire engines and around 70 firefighters to the site. Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne stated, “The fire has caused a major power outage affecting many homes and businesses. Relevant agencies are working together to restore power as soon as possible.”
Impact on Air Traffic
Heathrow Airport is a crucial international hub, handling approximately 1,300 take-offs and landings daily. Last year, the airport set a record by serving 83.9 million passengers. The temporary closure is expected to cause significant disruptions to global travel.
Authorities are working to assess the damage and restore normal operations as soon as possible.
