On March 21, 2025, London’s Heathrow Airport experienced a significant disruption after a fire erupted at a neighboring electrical substation, resulting in a power outage that grounded operations at Europe’s busiest airport.

Impact on Flights and Travel

The closure led to over 800 flight cancellations as reported by FlightAware, affecting a large number of passengers traveling in and out of the airport. As operations resumed late Friday, Heathrow issued a statement expressing hopes for a full restoration by Saturday.

According to Flightradar24, more than 120 flights already airborne at the time of the announcement had to be diverted or returned to their departure points. This incident particularly impacted British Airways, which saw more than half of its scheduled flights for Friday canceled.

Advice for Affected Travelers

Airlines recommended that passengers refrain from heading to the airport unless directed by their airline. Many options for rebooking were made available, particularly through British Airways, which promised flexible rebooking options for travelers affected by the disruption.

Investigation Underway

The Metropolitan Police indicated that there was “no indication of foul play,” yet the investigation has been handed over to the counterterrorism division due to the fire’s impact on critical infrastructure. A spokesperson explained that this division’s specialized resources could expedite the investigation process.

Cause of the Disruption

U.K. energy minister Ed Miliband referred to the incident as “catastrophic,” noting that the airport’s backup generator was also compromised by the fire. The scale of the incident surprised the National Grid, which is currently working to restore power through alternative backup systems.

Wider Implications of the Fire

The closure of Heathrow raised concerns about infrastructure resilience, with Ed Miliband commenting on the potential vulnerabilities exposed by the incident. Willie Walsh, CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), criticized the airport’s reliance on a singular power source, labeling it a “planning failure.”

Cargo and Economic Impact

Anita Mendiratta, a travel and tourism advisor, highlighted the extensive implications of the airport’s shutdown, particularly regarding cargo. Heathrow is responsible for transporting over 4,000 tons of cargo daily, a crucial factor not to be overlooked in discussions of the incident’s fallout.

Current Status and Future Outlook

As of now, Heathrow officials are working on updating travelers about operational resumption timelines. For the latest information, travelers are encouraged to check Heathrow Airport’s official website and social media channels.