Heathrow Airport, the second with the most international traffic in the world in 2024, announced this Friday the total closure of its facilities until midnight on March 21. A fire in an electrical substation located in Hayes, to the west of London, has caused a supply cut that keeps the main British airfield without energy.
“To guarantee the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will remain closed until 23:59 of March 21,” the airport reported in a message posted in X (formerly Twitter). He has also asked travelers not to move to their facilities.
The London Fire Service have moved to the place of the fire and have evacuated some 150 people as a precautionary measure. The fire is still active, according to the authorities.
An airport spokesman has explained by email to the Reuters agency that there is still no clear forecast on when the electricity supply with guarantees can be restored. He has also warned that “significant alterations” are expected in the next few days.
The EuroControl agency, in charge of the management of air traffic in Europe, has reported on its website that landings are not allowed in Heathrow and that flight diversion plans have already been activated.
The tourist data company OAG placed Heathrow as the second airport with the highest volume of international passengers in 2024, only behind Dubai’s.
