London: London's Heathrow Airport has been shut due to power failure. The airport will remain closed on Friday. The power failure reportedly triggered by a large fire at an electrical substation in the nearby area of Hayes. The fire broke out at around 11:30 pm (local time) on Thursday.
Officials have advised the passengers not to travel to the airport to contact their airlines for further instructions.
“Due to a fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport, Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage,” Heathrow Airport said in a statement on X.
“To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23h59 on 21 March,” it added. The Heathrow Airport is among the world's busiest airports.
Heathrow Airport's Tweet:
A transformer within the substation caught fire, London Fire Brigade said as reported by CNN. Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters are reportedly present on the spot. The reason for the blaze is yet to be known.
Videos of the blaze at the electrical substation surfaced online. In the visuals huge flames could seen billowing out of the substation. Firefighting operations are currently underway.
Visuals Of The Blaze At The Substation:
Due to the blaze, power outage has been reported in Hayes, Hounslow and surrounding areas. All these areas are near the airport.
“Firefighters have led 29 people to safety from neighbouring properties, and as a precaution, a 200-metre cordon has been established, with around 150 people evacuated,” Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said in a statement as quoted by CNN.
As per the Assistant Commissioner, around 150 people have been evacuated safely. As a precaution, a 200-meter cordon has been set by authorities. There are no reports of any injuries due to the blaze so far.
Air India Media Statement
Air India has stated its advisory: "Our operations to and from London Heathrow (LHR) have been disrupted following the temporary suspension of operations at the airport until 23h59 London time of 21 March, after a significant power outage. Consequently, London Heathrow-bound AI129 from Mumbai is returning to Mumbai; AI161 from Delhi is diverting to Frankfurt. All our remaining flights to and from London Heathrow, including AI111 of this morning, have been cancelled for 21 March. We will update about resumption of operations as soon as we have more information. Flights to London Gatwick remain unaffected."
