One of the world’s largest airports is closed.
Heathrow Airport in London has been shut down all day following a devastating electrical fire, triggering massive power outages and plunging the travel industry into chaos.
With hundreds of thousands of passengers affected, experts warn the disruption could last for days, causing ripple effects across the globe.
Electrical substation exploded
A major power outage at Heathrow caused by a fire at a nearby electrical substation has led to the airport’s closure until 11:59 PM on March 21. The fire, which started in a transformer building in Hayes, resulted in the airport’s substation explosion. With around 200,000 passengers expected, over 1,357 flights have been disrupted. The fire was contained by morning, but some areas are still burning. Authorities confirmed backup power systems are in place, though they take time to activate. Rail services to Heathrow were canceled, and European airports are bracing for rerouted flights. Investigations into the cause continue.
