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London Heathrow Flights Resume After Power Outage
Europe's busiest airport, London Heathrow, is back in operation after a power outage caused by a fire at a nearby substation. The incident, which left hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded, caused widespread disruption on Friday, March 21st, 2025. However, flights have resumed, though delays and cancellations are still expected.
The Impact of the Power Outage
The power outage, caused by a fire at a substation, led to the complete closure of Heathrow Airport for several hours. Hundreds of flights were cancelled, many long-haul flights were diverted, and thousands of passengers faced significant delays. British Airways, Heathrow's largest airline, stated that they expected to operate approximately 85% of their scheduled flights on Saturday, March 22nd, but passengers were urged to check directly with their airline for updates.
Recovery Efforts
Heathrow Airport is now fully operational, with additional staff and flights added to help manage the backlog of passengers. The airport’s CEO, Thomas Woldbye, reassured travellers that they should arrive as normal, with no need to arrive earlier than usual. While the initial impact was significant, airlines such as British Airways, Air Canada, and United Airlines have resumed scheduled flights, working to return displaced aircraft and stranded passengers to their destinations.
What Caused the Outage?
The fire at the substation, which involved a transformer holding a substantial amount of cooling oil, is under investigation. The Metropolitan Police are not treating the incident as suspicious. The cause remains unclear but highlighted concerns about the resilience of critical infrastructure.
Ongoing Disruptions & Advice for Travellers
Although Heathrow is open, significant disruption is still anticipated over the coming days. Passengers are strongly advised to check their flight status with their airline before travelling to the airport. Be prepared for delays and potential rescheduling.
Looking Ahead
The incident underscores the vulnerability of major airports to disruptions caused by external factors. While Heathrow has resumed operations, the ripple effects of the power outage will likely be felt for some time. Stay informed by checking official sources and your airline for the latest updates on your flight status.
