Fri Mar 21 06:20:01 UTC 2025: ## Heathrow Airport Shuts Down After Major Power Outage Caused by Substation Fire
**London, March 21, 2025** – London’s Heathrow Airport, one of the world’s busiest, was forced to shut down completely until midnight tonight following a major fire at a nearby electrical substation. The incident, which occurred at the North Hyde substation in Hayes, caused a significant power outage affecting the airport and over 16,000 homes in the surrounding area. Around 150 people were evacuated from the area.
The London Fire Brigade responded with 10 fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters. A 200-meter safety cordon was established, and local residents were advised to remain indoors and keep doors and windows closed due to smoke.
Heathrow Airport confirmed the closure via social media, advising passengers not to travel to the airport and to contact their airlines for updates. An airport spokesperson stated that while fire crews are on the scene, the time of power restoration remains uncertain. The closure affects at least 1,351 inbound and outbound flights, leading to significant disruption, with several flights already diverted. Airport authorities anticipate considerable disruption in the coming days.
Several airlines, including Air India, have announced cancellations of all flights to and from Heathrow for the day. The Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, the supplier to the affected area, confirmed the fire and stated that the safety of residents and emergency personnel is their top priority.
Videos circulating on social media show a large blaze and a plume of smoke rising into the air. The incident has sparked criticism online, with some questioning the lack of backup power systems at such a crucial infrastructure hub. The airport saw a record 84 million passengers in 2024. The closure is expected to cause significant inconvenience and financial losses. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
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