Major Fire Near Heathrow Airport Causes Widespread Travel Disruptions

Tue Oct 21 2025 03:15:03 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A substantial fire at a nearby substation leads to the closure of Heathrow Airport, affecting thousands of travelers worldwide and raising concerns about power outages and flight cancellations.

A catastrophic fire at a substation in Hayes, London, caused a power outage at Heathrow Airport, leading to its closure for the entire day. With thousands of flights canceled or diverted, travelers are advised to avoid the airport and prepare for delays that could take days to resolve.

Operations at Heathrow Airport, one of the world's busiest, were brought to a standstill on March 21, 2025, after a significant fire at a nearby substation resulted in a power outage. This fire, described by Britain's energy secretary Ed Miliband as a "catastrophic incident," led to a complete airport shutdown, putting tens of thousands of global travelers in a state of chaos.

The blaze at the North Hyde substation in Hayes was reported late Thursday night and was brought under control by local fire brigade crews. However, its impact was immediate and severe, with reports indicating that backup systems at the airport had also been affected, complicating recovery efforts. Miliband emphasized that there is currently no evidence of foul play, but the cause of the fire remains unclear as investigations are ongoing.

Heathrow officials announced the airport would remain closed until at least midnight, warning that flight disruptions could persist for several days. Passengers were advised against traveling to the airport until further notice, as airlines scrambled to address the situation.

Battle for worldwide travel was fierce as the closure affected around 1,351 scheduled flights, with estimates suggesting that nearly 290,000 passengers could feel the effects of the ongoing disruptions due to the airport's significant role in global air travel. Airlines have diverted flights to alternative airports, including London Gatwick and several continental locations such as Schiphol in Amsterdam and Charles de Gaulle in Paris.

As airlines worked to rebook stranded passengers, the chaos from the airport's closure rippled through various transport hubs around the world, resulting in long lines and confusion as travelers sought information on canceled and diverted flights. Major airlines, including British Airways and Air France, advised passengers to directly check online for updates rather than reach customer service, further exasperating the logistical struggles.

The wider implications of this airport closure extend beyond passenger travel. Heathrow is also a critical hub for air freight; it handles a significant portion of the UK’s cargo, meaning businesses relying on timely shipments could experience detrimental impacts due to the disruptions.

Authorities have reassured the public that they are working diligently to restore power, and aimed to minimize the fire's long-term effects on the local area and its essential services.