Heathrow Airport Closes Following Major Fire, Disrupting Over 1,300 Flights

Heathrow Airport in London has been forced to shut down completely due to a significant power outage caused by a fire at a nearby electrical substation. The closure, which began on March 21, 2025, is expected to create massive travel disruptions, affecting approximately 1,400 flights and potentially impacting 145,000 passengers. Aviation experts warn that the logistical challenges of diverting flights and repositioning crews will result in cascading disruptions throughout global aviation schedules. The fire, which occurred in Hayes, has led to the evacuation of 150 individuals and left over 16,000 homes without power. Heathrow officials have urged passengers not to come to the airport and acknowledged the uncertainty regarding when normal operations might resume. The lack of operational capacity at other airports to absorb Heathrow's volume further complicates the situation.