On March 20, 2025, a fire at an electrical substation in Hayes, West London, caused a major power outage,
severely disrupting operations at Heathrow Airport. The fire led to the complete closure of the airport, resulting in the
cancellation of over 1,300 flights, affecting around 290,000 passengers. Emergency services quickly contained the fire,
but the aftermath caused widespread chaos, including flight diversions to other airports.
The UK government, including Energy Minister Ed Miliband, called the incident “catastrophic” due to its significant impact.
Teams from National Grid are working to restore power, and investigations are underway to determine the fire’s cause and
prevent future occurrences. Passengers traveling through Heathrow are advised to check with airlines for updates and avoid
the airport until operations are fully restored.
Fire Breaks Out at Electrical Substation
Late on March 20, a fire ignited at an electrical substation in Hayes, West London. The blaze led to a substantial
power outage, affecting not only the surrounding areas but also the operations of Heathrow Airport. Emergency services responded
early, deploying ten fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters to the scene.
By 8 a.m. on March 21, the fire was declared
under control.
Heathrow Airport Shuts Down Operations
The power loss resulted in the complete closure of Heathrow Airport for the day, marking one of the most severe disruptions in its
history.
Over 1,300 flights were canceled, affecting approximately 290,000 passengers. Many travelers faced diversions to other
airports, with Gatwick, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Shannon in Ireland.
Government and Utility Company Responses
UK Energy Minister Ed Miliband described the incident as “catastrophic,” acknowledging the extensive impact on both the airport
and the local community.
National Grid teams are actively working to restore power, utilizing backup systems to fetch services
back online. Authorities have initiated investigations to determine the fire’s cause and to bolster infrastructure resilience
against future incidents.
Ongoing Impact and Travel Advice
Despite efforts to resolve the situation, significant disruptions are expected to continue for several days. Passengers planning to travel through Heathrow are directed to contact their airlines for the latest updates and to avoid unnecessary travel to the airport until operations normalize.