Heathrow chaos: Major shutdown follows fire outbreak
Heathrow Airport closed due to a fire. On social media, more footage is emerging showing the scale of the calamity. At the airport itself, the scene is apocalyptic. The terminal, where thousands of passengers usually depart for various destinations around the world, has been abandoned, reminiscent of pandemic times.
Heathrow Airport is the largest airport in Europe in terms of passenger numbers. On Friday, it was expected to handle approximately 290,000 travellers.
In the footage published by the FL360 aero profile, the terminal looks apocalyptic - there are no passengers or staff. It is dark and silent.
London's Heathrow Airport, one of the largest in the world, was closed until 11:59 PM Greenwich Time on Friday due to a fire at an electrical substation.
According to the airport's press services, the fire caused a significant power outage, which forced the closure of the facility to ensure the safety of passengers and employees.
"Due to a fire at the electrical substation supplying the airport, Heathrow is facing a significant power outage. To ensure the safety of our passengers and employees, Heathrow will be closed until 11:59 PM Greenwich Time on 21 March," was posted on the airport's official account on X.
Approximately 150 people were evacuated. Residents were advised to keep their windows closed due to smoke. Around 70 firefighters and 10 fire engines were sent to tackle the blaze. Social media reports mentioned a "large explosion" heard before the fire erupted.
Fire at Heathrow Airport. Footage
Several videos appeared on social media showing the extent of the fire.
According to British Energy Minister Ed Miliband who spoke to LBC radio on Friday the was fire "catastrophic," and the airport's backup generator was damaged.
The minister noted that the airport has an additional power system and is working to activate it to restore its operations.
He stated that there are no signs that the fire was intentionally caused.
Some flights on Friday were diverted to Gatwick Airport near London, the country's second-largest, as well as to Stansted, Birmingham Airport, and even Paris Charles de Gaulle.
International travellers — including those not flying through Heathrow — are advised to keep an eye on the situation and follow updates from their airline, as the disruption could impact air traffic worldwide.
