Flights resume at London Heathrow after a daylong closure sparked travel chaos : NPR

Flights Resume at London Heathrow After Daylong Closure Sparks Travel Chaos

London, March 22, 2025 – After a 24-hour shutdown due to a fire at a nearby electrical substation, flights have resumed at London Heathrow Airport, bringing relief to thousands of stranded passengers. The closure, which began on March 21, 2025, led to the cancellation of more than 1,300 flights, leaving over 200,000 travelers in limbo as they faced significant disruptions in their travel plans.

The fire, which broke out at the North Hyde electrical substation in Hayes, caused a widespread power outage, impacting not just Heathrow, but also the surrounding areas, including nearly 60,000 homes. The fire caused severe damage to critical power systems that supply electricity to the airport, leaving backup systems unable to support the full operations of the hub.

Travel Chaos Strikes Global Connections

The airport, one of the world’s busiest, was forced to halt all departures and arrivals, triggering a cascade of chaos not just in London, but across the global aviation network. Airlines, including British Airways, experienced major operational setbacks as they scrambled to manage the crisis.

Travelers from around the world, including those bound for destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, were left stranded. Many passengers were left unsure about how to proceed as the airport remained closed for an entire day. Lines at customer service desks stretched for hours as airlines worked to rebook flights and accommodate affected passengers.

“We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience caused by this unprecedented event. We are working tirelessly to ensure that we get travelers on their way as quickly and safely as possible,” said a spokesperson for Heathrow Airport.

Reopening and Recovery

Operations at Heathrow resumed late on March 21, following a comprehensive inspection of the airport’s systems and infrastructure. While the airport is functioning again, it will take several days to clear the backlog of delayed and cancelled flights. Airlines have urged passengers to check with their carriers for updates and advised those traveling to arrive early due to increased security checks.

Passengers affected by the cancellations have been offered a variety of support options, including hotel accommodations, food, and transport assistance. Heathrow officials are working closely with airlines and local authorities to manage the recovery process.

“The safety and comfort of our passengers remain our top priority, and we are focused on restoring full service,” said Heathrow’s CEO in a statement.

Investigation Underway

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire at the electrical substation, which is believed to have contributed significantly to the power failure. Emergency responders quickly contained the fire, but it remains unclear when full repairs to the power grid will be completed. Experts suggest that such incidents highlight the need for further investment in airport infrastructure to prevent similar disruptions in the future.

“We will be working closely with the utility providers to ensure that all necessary measures are put in place to avoid such issues going forward,” added the Heathrow spokesperson.

Looking Ahead

While the worst of the disruption is over, travelers are still being urged to expect delays as the airport and airlines continue to work to accommodate those affected. The full restoration of services is expected to take a few days, and travelers are encouraged to stay in touch with their airlines for real-time updates.

The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges airports face in managing critical infrastructure and ensuring smooth operations for millions of passengers every year. As the travel industry slowly recovers from the chaos, authorities are focused on strengthening airport facilities and resilience to prevent future disruptions.

For the latest updates, passengers can visit the Heathrow Airport website or contact their airline directly.