Heathrow Airport Suspended Operations Due to Fire at Nearby Electricity Substation

In an unexpected turn of events, Heathrow Airport, one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, has announced a temporary closure following a significant fire at an electricity substation located approximately 1.5 miles away in Hayes. This closure is set to last until midnight, specifically until 23:59 on March 21, 2025.

Airport officials have confirmed that the incident has caused a major power outage, impacting various operations throughout the airport. Travelers are strongly advised to refrain from heading to the airport during this time as safety remains the top priority.

The airport’s management has stated, “Given the ongoing situation and the uncertainty surrounding when power will be reliably restored, we have no alternative but to suspend all services.” They noted, “We anticipate considerable disruption in the upcoming days, and we urge all passengers to stay clear of the airport premises until further notice.”

Visual reports from the scene have depicted large flames and substantial plumes of black smoke, which have raised concerns among residents in the vicinity. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has deployed a formidable response unit, consisting of ten fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters, to tackle the blaze on Nestles Avenue.

So far, about 150 individuals have been evacuated from the surrounding area, with a 200-meter exclusion zone established as a precautionary measure. The cause of the fire remains undetermined as LFB continues to manage the emergency. The brigade has reported receiving upwards of 190 calls reporting the incident, the first of which came in just after 11:20 PM.

Additionally, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks have acknowledged a widespread power cut affecting not only Hayes but also Hounslow and nearby areas. While they estimate a resolution by approximately 3 AM, it is believed that around 16,000 homes are currently without power.

In light of these developments, residents are being advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to the considerable smoke generated by the fire.

Heathrow Airport, which handled a record-breaking 83.9 million passengers in 2024, emphasizes the importance of safety and will provide updates as they become available. As the situation evolves, travelers are encouraged to stay informed and check for further announcements regarding the reopening of the airport.