A fire at a substation near Heathrow Airport led to a major power outage, causing the airport to close unexpectedly. This incident resulted in the cancellation of over 1,000 flights and disrupted travel plans for about 200,000 passengers. The fire occurred late Thursday night and was serious enough to require a significant response from emergency services.
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, faced questions about the government’s recent decision to delay the expansion of Gatwick Airport. She acknowledged that the fire highlighted the urgent need for increased airport capacity and resilience. Speaking on a news program, Reeves stated that while an in-principle decision to expand Gatwick had been made, the final decision was postponed by six months. She emphasized the importance of enhancing the UK’s airport infrastructure, especially in light of recent events.
The fire’s impact was felt immediately, with Heathrow’s operations severely affected. Although the airport reopened on Sunday, it warned travelers to check with their airlines due to ongoing disruptions. British Airways reported that it expected to operate a near-full schedule, but many passengers still faced delays.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with authorities believing it to be non-suspicious. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has instructed the National Energy System Operator to conduct a thorough review to prevent similar incidents in the future. Initial findings from this investigation are expected within six weeks.
Heathrow’s management has expressed regret over the disruption caused by the closure, calling it an unprecedented event. They are committed to understanding the causes of the fire and improving the airport’s resilience. A former transport secretary, Ruth Kelly, will lead an internal review to assess the situation.
Passengers have shared their frustrations, with many facing unexpected challenges due to the flight cancellations. One traveler, who was on her way to Algeria, had to stop her taxi after learning of the airport’s closure. Another passenger, headed to a husky sledding challenge in Sweden, found himself two days late due to the disruptions.
While the airport is now operational, officials have warned that some delays may persist. The situation serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and the importance of preparedness in the face of emergencies.