- Heathrow Airport will be closed on Friday due to a fire that caused a significant power outage.
- The fire occurred at an electric substation in Hayes, 1.5 miles from Heathrow.
- London Fire Brigade deployed 70 firefighters and said disruption is expected to increase.
London’s Heathrow Airport will be closed through Friday because a large fire nearby led to a “significant power outage,” the airport said.
“Due to a fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport, Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage,” Heathrow Airport said in a statement on X early on Friday morning local time.
“To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23h59 on 21 March.”
The airport, one of the world’s busiest, added that passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and should contact their airline for more information.
Business Insider could not immediately reach airport representatives for comment.
The fire is at an electricity substation in Hayes in West London, about 1.5 miles from the airport. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Ten fire engines and about 70 firefighters have been called to a fire, the London Fire Brigade said in a post on X.
Images show large flames and plumes of thick black smoke. Local media reported that tens of thousands of homes in the area are without power.
Around 150 people have been evacuated so far and a 200-metre cordon is in place, the London Fire Brigade said.
“This will be a prolonged incident, with crews remaining on scene throughout the night,” the Brigade wrote on its website. “As we head into the morning, disruption is expected to increase, and we urge people to avoid the area wherever possible.”
London has several other international airports including Gatwick, the city’s second-busiest airport, and Stansted, known for budget flights and flights to Europe.
As of publish time, major airlines flying out of Heathrow, such as British Airways and United Airlines, have not posted updates about flight delays.
British Airways, which calls Heathrow its main hub, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from BI.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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