London’s Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest travel hubs in the world, has been forced to shut down completely due to a power outage caused by a large fire nearby. The disruption has led to chaos for passengers, airlines, and transportation networks.
Widespread Impact on Flights and Passengers
The closure of Heathrow is expected to affect over 1,300 flights, with aviation analytics estimating that upwards of 145,000 passengers could face significant delays or cancellations. Many long-haul flights, especially those from Asia and the Pacific, were already in the air when the shutdown occurred and had to be diverted mid-flight.
Aviation expert Shukor Yusof explained that rerouting international flights is a complex process requiring close coordination between airlines and the UK aviation authority. Limited runway availability at alternate airports, along with fuel considerations, make diversions especially challenging. Flight tracking data revealed that 120 planes had to change course, with scheduled arrivals from cities such as Sydney, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, and New York being affected.
Financial Fallout for Airlines
The closure has triggered significant financial repercussions for airlines. Shares in British Airways’ parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG), dropped by as much as 5% before slightly recovering to a 3.6% decline. Other major airlines, including Lufthansa and Air France-KLM, also saw their stocks fall.
Yusof estimated that financial losses from this disruption could reach hundreds of millions of pounds, as airlines scramble to accommodate stranded passengers, provide refunds, and manage logistical challenges.
No Indications of Foul Play
The fire responsible for the power outage originated at an electrical substation supplying Heathrow Airport. UK Energy Minister Ed Miliband stated that there is no evidence of foul play, describing the incident as a catastrophic accident. However, the government has yet to determine the exact cause of the fire, with investigations still underway.
Passengers Caught in Travel Chaos
Stranded passengers at Heathrow and around the world have expressed frustration as their travel plans were abruptly disrupted. Siya Shah, a London-based physiotherapist, was on her way to the airport for a flight to New Delhi when she was forced to turn back. Despite being advised to proceed to the airport, she arrived to find no access available.
“We had like an hour and a half in the cab to Heathrow, but once we got there, they just told us to turn around,” she said. Shah now faces the possibility of canceling her trip altogether.
Another traveler, Gauri Bhosale, was due to fly from Cambridge to Mumbai but only learned of her flight’s cancellation after calling her airline. “The operator wasn’t even aware of any problems at first. They said flights were still on time,” she explained. She is now struggling to find alternative options and awaiting a refund confirmation before booking a new ticket.
Disruptions Extend to Rail Services
The fire’s impact has gone beyond air travel, with rail services around Heathrow also facing severe delays. Heathrow Express, which connects the airport to Paddington Station, suspended all operations. Transport for London similarly reported significant service disruptions between Hayes & Harlington station and Heathrow, advising travelers to avoid attempting to reach the airport.
Grounded Flights and Passengers Left Waiting
Travelers on outbound flights have also suffered from Heathrow’s closure. Molly Zhang, a Chinese student based in the U.S., was stuck on the tarmac for over three hours at Boston Logan International Airport before her flight was ultimately canceled.
“We’re just waiting,” she told CNN, before eventually being sent to a hotel for the night. Zhang had planned to visit a friend in the UK but has now postponed her trip.
Ongoing Uncertainty
As authorities continue to assess the full impact of the fire, disruptions are expected to last for days. With thousands of flights affected, Heathrow’s shutdown has created one of the most significant aviation crises in recent years. Travelers are advised to stay updated on airline communications and seek alternative arrangements where possible.
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