UK’s busiest airport shuts down

(MENAFN) A large fire at an electrical substation in West London late Thursday night has caused a major power outage at Heathrow Airport, forcing its temporary closure. The airport, which typically handles around 1,000 flights daily, announced that it will remain shut until 11:59 PM local time on Friday. Passengers have been advised to stay away and check with their airlines for updates, according to a statement posted on X.

The London Fire Brigade reported that the fire in Hayes has also disrupted power for many homes and businesses in the area. As of early Friday morning, firefighters were still battling the flames, with part of a transformer unit continuing to burn. Authorities have warned that disruptions will worsen throughout the day and have urged the public to avoid the area. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Flight tracking service Flightradar24 estimates that at least 1,351 flights will be affected by the shutdown. Planes have been rerouted to airports in Ireland, France, and the Netherlands, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. British Airways, whose main hub is Heathrow, is working to inform passengers of alternative travel arrangements over the next 24 hours.

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