Global travel was disrupted on Friday as London’s Heathrow Airport shut down due to a fire that broke out at an electrical station.
Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest airports, announced it would be closed until midnight due to a fire that caused two terminals to lose power. The fire, which broke out Thursday, has already impacted more than 1,300 flights, with authorities telling travelers not to come to the airport. Reuters reported that the closure could impact up to 290,000 travelers.
“Due to a fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport, Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage. To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23h59 on 21 March,” the airport posted on X. “Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and should contact their airline for further information. We apologise for the inconvenience.”
Due to a fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport, Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage.
To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23h59 on 21 March.
Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport… pic.twitter.com/7SWNJP8ojd
— Heathrow Airport (@HeathrowAirport) March 21, 2025
The airport later said it did not estimate when power would be “reliably restored.”
“We expect significant disruption over the coming days and passengers should not travel to the airport under any circumstances until the airport reopens,” a spokesman said.
The London Fire Brigade said the blaze involved around 6,600 gallons of cooling oil. London Police said it was working with firefighting authorities to determine the cause, saying the investigation was ongoing.
“While there is currently no indication of foul play we retain an open mind at this time,” the police said in a statement.
The investigation is being led by London’s Counter Terrorism Command because of the location of the power station and the “impact this incident has had on critical national infrastructure,” the Metropolitan Police said.
In addition to the airport disruption, more than 67,000 homes in the area lost power due to the fire, and around 179 people were evacuated from the area by firefighters and police.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank firefighters and Control officers for their courage and professionalism to bring this incident under control in what were very challenging,” said Deputy Commissioner at London Fire Brigade Jonathan Smith.
