
London's Heathrow International Airport has been closed after experiencing a major power outage caused by a fire at a nearby electrical substation, officials said.
"Due to a fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport, Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage. To ensure the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 11:59pm on March 21," the airport's official Twitter account said, advising passengers not to travel to the airport.
“Significant disruption is expected over the coming days,” a Heathrow spokesman said. A statement from the airport said fire crews were responding to the incident, but it was unclear when power could be reliably restored. At least 70 firefighters and 10 fire engines have been deployed to Hayes in west London to tackle the blaze, the London Fire Brigade said, adding that 150 people had already been evacuated.
Heathrow was the world's second-busiest airport for international flights in 2024, behind Dubai.
“This is a highly visible and significant incident and our firefighters are working tirelessly in challenging conditions to bring the fire under control as quickly as possible,” said Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne.
The fire brigade said its control officers have handled more than 200 calls, providing vital guidance and safety to the public.
“Due to the significant amount of smoke, we strongly advise local residents to keep their windows and doors closed,” Goulbourne said.