Heathrow Airport Closure Disrupts Global Travel, Costs Millions

The recent closure of Heathrow Airport due to a fire at a nearby electrical substation has thrown global aviation into chaos, impacting over 1,300 flights and approximately 291,000 passengers. Experts estimate the cost of the disruption could reach £20 million daily, raising concerns about Heathrow's infrastructure preparedness and the effectiveness of its backup power systems. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) criticized the airport's planning, emphasizing the need for accountability and better contingency measures amid increasing security concerns in Europe. Additionally, the shutdown is expected to affect the UK economy significantly, disrupting cargo operations worth nearly £200 billion annually and leaving many travelers stranded. Airlines are now facing tough negotiations over compensation for the disruptions, as the fallout from this incident continues to unfold. The government has pledged to investigate the lessons learned from this event to enhance critical infrastructure resilience.