Heathrow Airport Closure Disrupts 1,351 Flights Due to Fire

Heathrow Airport is facing significant disruption due to a fire at a nearby electrical substation, which has led to the cancellation of over 1,300 flights and is expected to impact more than 200,000 passengers. The airport will remain closed for the day, with incoming flights being diverted to other airports, including Gatwick and Charles de Gaulle. Airlines such as British Airways and United Airlines are advising passengers not to travel to Heathrow and are working to provide alternative arrangements. Passengers affected by cancellations may be entitled to compensation and assistance, including meals and hotel accommodations, depending on the length of the delay and the distance of their flight. Experts warn that the situation has created a logistical nightmare for surrounding airports, which are unable to handle the volume of diverted flights. The incident has raised concerns about infrastructure resilience and the need for better contingency plans in the future.