The Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, vibrating with the constant buzz of tens of millions of passengers each year. As a vital international hub, it connects continents through a massive network of flights and services. Every day, travelers, business professionals, and tourists depend on Heathrow as a cornerstone of global commerce and cultural exchange. However, today the airport faced an unexpected hurdle. Amid routine operations, an unforeseen power outage led to a significant fire forcing Heathrow to shut its gates entirely. Being one of the busiest in the world it might see a significant disruption in the air traffic.

London’s Heathrow Airport announced a full day shutdown on 21 March following a “significant power outage” caused by an enormous fire near the facility. The statement posted on social media warned all passengers not to travel to the airport. Heathrow further said , “To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23h59 on 21 March.” The power outage originates from a blaze at an electrical substation in Hayes, England, that supplies power to the airport.

According to the London Fire Brigade, a transformer at the substation was set alight, causing an immediate and strict emergency response. The brigade’s efforts includes the deployment of ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters to control the fire and prevent further damage. In an official update, the brigade shared an image capturing the raging fire beside the substation. Fire crews responded swiftly and evacuated around 150 people from the vicinity, and established a precautionary 200‑meter barrier . Apart from this, the firefighters rescued 29 people from neighboring properties, ensuring their safe evacuation.

Fire officials were called to the scene at approximately 11.23pm local time on Thursday, maintaining a persistent presence throughout the night to manage the emergency. According to CNN, Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne added, “As we head into the morning, disruption is expected to increase, and we urge people to avoid the area wherever possible,” Goulbourne said.
The incident has not only disrupted airport operations but also led to widespread power cuts in surrounding areas. As per reports, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said that over 16,000 homes in suburbs like Hayes and Hounslow have been affected by the outage. Authorities are working tirelessly to contain the fire and restore power, keeping up the safety standards amid ongoing tensions. Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines for travel updates as Heathrow is consistently trying to resume normal operations safely.

How many people fly from Heathrow a day?

London Heathrow Airport is one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, connecting millions of people across continents. According to official statistics, approximately 220,000 passengers fly from Heathrow every day. This shows the airport’s extensive global flight network and its pivotal role in international aviation. Whether for business or leisure, travelers benefit from Heathrow’s seamless connectivity and comprehensive services. Despite occasional operational challenges, the airport’s efficient management ensures that daily passenger volumes are handled with professionalism and care. (Source: Heathrow Airport Official Website)