Heathrow Airport Temporarily Shuts Down Operations Following Power Outage
Heathrow Airport, the United Kingdom’s busiest airport and one of the world’s major international flight hubs, has ceased operations due to a substantial power outage triggered by a fire at a nearby electricity substation. The incident has significant implications for air travel around the globe.
Incident Overview
The closure was officially announced on Friday following a fire that broke out late Thursday evening in Hayes, just outside the airport’s perimeter. The blaze affected the power supply to the airport and has left over 16,000 households in west London without electricity.
Emergency Services Response
The London Fire Brigade responded promptly to the incident, deploying firefighters to manage the fire. Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne stated, “This is a highly visible and significant incident, and our firefighters are working tirelessly in challenging conditions to bring the fire under control as swiftly as possible.”
Current Situation and Impact on Travel
- The airport’s shutdown is expected to cause major disruptions to scheduled flights.
- Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest travel information.
- Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, although details remain unclear at this time.
Looking Ahead
As the situation develops, Heathrow management and local authorities are working closely to restore power and resume normal operations. Travelers are urged to stay informed and anticipate potential delays as recovery efforts continue.
For more updates, consult official channels and news sources.