Heathrow Airport Closed After Fire, Stranding 220,000 Passengers

A massive fire at an electrical substation near Heathrow Airport has resulted in unprecedented travel chaos, forcing the airport to close and affecting over 220,000 passengers. The fire, which broke out on March 20 and was declared under control by the morning of March 21, led to the cancellation, diversion, or delay of around 1,357 flights. Major airlines, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta, scrambled to accommodate stranded travelers, with many flights rerouted to other European airports. The incident has drawn significant scrutiny regarding Heathrow's infrastructure and emergency response capabilities, prompting officials to prepare for potential hearings in Parliament. Approximately 100,000 homes were also affected by power outages due to the fire, highlighting the widespread impact of the incident. While power has been restored to most homes, the fallout from the airport's closure is expected to persist for days as airlines work to reschedule affected flights.