Major Flight Disruptions as Heathrow Airport Closes
Air India has cancelled all flights scheduled for March 21 to and from London Heathrow Airport following its closure due to a fire at a nearby electrical substation. The Tata-owned airline confirmed that the disruption has also impacted ongoing flights, with AI129 from Mumbai returning to its departure point and AI161 from Delhi being rerouted to Frankfurt. However, flights operating to London Gatwick remain unaffected.
Gatwick Airport authorities have announced that they are prepared to accommodate some of the diverted flights from Heathrow. “We are aware of the situation at Heathrow Airport today and are supporting as required. Flights from London Gatwick are operating as normal,” Gatwick Airport stated on social media. Meanwhile, Air India assured passengers that it is actively working to manage the situation while Heathrow remains closed.
The temporary shutdown of Heathrow has caused widespread disruptions, with FlightRadar24 reporting that at least 120 flights were diverted to alternate destinations. The unexpected delays have resulted in operational difficulties for multiple airlines and their passengers.
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Widespread Impact on Airlines and Passengers
Several major airlines, including British Airways and Emirates, have also cancelled their scheduled flights to and from Heathrow, further exacerbating the travel chaos. British Airways issued a travel advisory, urging passengers to avoid heading to the airport until further notice. Similarly, Emirates announced the suspension of all Heathrow flights on March 21.
In an official statement, Heathrow Airport authorities acknowledged the ongoing disruptions and advised passengers against travelling to the airport. They have also cautioned about potential delays and further diversions in the coming days as efforts continue to resolve the situation and clear the flight backlog.
Passengers have been urged to remain in contact with their airlines for updated travel arrangements, as it remains uncertain when Heathrow Airport will resume normal operations.
Fire at Electrical Substation Sparks Airport Closure
The closure of Heathrow Airport followed a major power outage caused by a fire at a nearby electrical substation. The London Fire Brigade reported that a transformer at the substation caught fire, leading to an emergency response operation.
A total of 10 fire engines and approximately 70 firefighters were deployed to contain the blaze. Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne confirmed that 29 people were evacuated from surrounding properties as a precautionary measure. Additionally, authorities established a 200-metre safety cordon, resulting in the evacuation of nearly 150 individuals from the area.
As the power outage has disrupted critical airport operations, Heathrow is expected to remain closed until further notice. Authorities are continuing to assess the damage and monitor the situation. Passengers are strongly advised to stay updated with airline notifications regarding alternative travel plans and potential reopening schedules.
With the airport serving as one of the world’s busiest air travel hubs, the unexpected closure has caused a ripple effect, impacting thousands of travelers globally. As officials work to restore normalcy, airlines and passengers alike face significant travel uncertainties in the days ahead.
