- London’s Heathrow Airport was closed Friday due to a massive fire at a nearby power substation.
- The airport said that it would resume some flights late Friday evening.
- Delays could linger for days, and passengers affected may be entitled to compensation.
More than 1,300 flights were disrupted after London’s Heathrow Airport, the UK’s busiest airport and one of the world’s top transit hubs, shut down operations due to a massive fire at a nearby power substation.
Airport authorities asked travelers scheduled to fly on Friday to stay home and await guidance from their airlines as they worked to restore full power. Some flights were set to resume late Friday.
Unfortunately for passengers, disruptions could have knock-on effects that last for days as airlines work to restore normal operations — a complicated logistics problem after planes and crews are diverted to unexpected places.
If you are scheduled to fly into Heathrow in the next few days, here’s what you need to know and what to expect.
Look for fee waivers for changing your flight
When an event causes mass flight cancellations, airlines usually issue fee waivers that allow affected passengers to rebook their flights or change their travel itinerary free of charge.
British Airways — the hardest hit of the airlines with more than 500 flight cancellations, according to FlightAware — has already issued fee waivers. Other major carriers like Lufthansa, Delta, and United Airlines have also issued waivers.
UK and European Union regulations may protect you
Customers on flights departing Heathrow and those inbound on airlines based in the UK or a European Union nation are covered by consumer protection laws.
Under UK law, airlines are required to provide stranded passengers with care and assistance until they are able to fly, such as meals, a means of communication, and overnight accommodations.
Passengers on a delayed flight may be eligible for compensation of up to £520 or $671.
This applies to short-haul flights delayed by more than two hours, medium-haul flights delayed by more than three hours, and long-haul flights delayed by more than four hours.
These regulations also require airlines to offer passengers affected by flight cancellations an alternative flight or a refund.
Unfortunately, those flying to London on a non-EU or UK airline will be subject to the consumer protection laws of yours or the airline’s home nation.
Use one of London’s other airports
London Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in Europe and a key transit point for global airlines. But it’s not the only airport in London.
In fact, Heathrow is just one of half a dozen airports in the London area, including Gatwick, Luton, London City, Stansted, and Southend.
Gatwick is London’s second largest airport and will have the most mainline long-haul international service, while City in the heart of London is limited to shorter routes due to its smaller runway.
Luton, Stansted, and Southend are great options if you travel with low-cost carriers, as they are major bases for Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizzair.
Prepare for the potential for chaos
As Heathrow returns to operation, the airport will be flooded by throngs of affected travelers in addition those already scheduled to fly that day.
It will be crowded. There will be long lines, frayed nerves, and even the possibility of additional travel delays as the airport and airlines scramble to get their staffing in order.
So, building as much time and flexibility as possible into your travel schedule will be important.
Also, keep all crucial documents and medication on your person if your checked bags are mishandled.
Last but not least, stay calm and be patient.
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