Fire Outbreak Forces Temporary Shutdown of London’s Heathrow Airport
London’s Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, has been temporarily shut down following a fire outbreak that led to a major power outage. Airport authorities have warned of “significant disruption” over the coming days, with hundreds of flights canceled and thousands of passengers affected.
The fire, which was first reported at 11:23 p.m., caused a widespread power failure, impacting not just the airport but also nearby homes and businesses. London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne confirmed that firefighters were working under “challenging conditions” to contain the blaze and restore normal operations.
Flights Canceled, Passengers Stranded
In an official statement, Heathrow Airport authorities announced that the facility would remain closed until just before midnight on Friday, urging travelers to stay away from the airport until further notice.
“Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage,” the statement read. “Passengers should not travel to the airport under any circumstances until the airport reopens.”
With Heathrow handling over 200,000 passengers daily, the closure has left thousands stranded and disrupted global travel schedules. Many airlines are scrambling to reroute flights and provide alternative travel arrangements.
Efforts to Restore Power Underway
Emergency crews are working closely with local authorities to restore power and minimize disruptions. However, the extent of the damage remains unclear, and travelers have been advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the situation develops.
Passengers scheduled to fly from Heathrow in the coming days are urged to check with their airlines and make alternative travel arrangements where necessary.
