By Gwurld4026 
Fire Outbreak Closes Heathrow Airport Until Saturday
A major fire at an electrical substation near London’s Heathrow Airport has led to a complete shutdown of operations on Friday, March 21, 2025, causing significant disruptions for hundreds of thousands of travelers worldwide.
Incident Details
The fire broke out late Thursday night at the North Hyde electrical substation in Hayes, Hillingdon, leading to a substantial power outage affecting both the airport and approximately 16,300 homes in the surrounding area. Emergency services responded promptly, deploying ten fire engines and seventy firefighters to the scene. Residents within a 650-foot radius were evacuated as a precaution.
Impact on Flights
Heathrow Airport, Europe’s busiest aviation hub, announced the closure would persist throughout Friday, resulting in the cancellation of over 1,300 flights and affecting an estimated 290,000 passengers. The disruption has led to widespread delays and cancellations across global air travel networks.
Passenger Advisory
Travelers scheduled to fly to or from Heathrow are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest information and avoid traveling to the airport until further notice. Airlines are working to rebook passengers on alternative flights, but the backlog may cause delays extending into the weekend.
Investigation and Response
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities emphasizing that there is currently no evidence of suspicious activity. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband described the incident as “catastrophic,” highlighting the need for a thorough inquiry to prevent future occurrences.
Looking Ahead
While efforts are underway to restore power and resume operations, passengers should prepare for ongoing disruptions. Continuous updates will be provided as more information becomes available.