UK's busiest Heathrow airport shuts after substation fire; 1,350+ flights hit, thousands stranded

More than 1,350 flights around the world have been affected today after a fire at an electrical substation supplying Europe's busiest airport, Heathrow, in the UK.

The blaze erupted at the North Hyde substation in Hayes, West London, causing a major power outage at the airport, prompting the authorities to shut it down completely.

The authorities are yet to reveal the exact cause of the fire at the substation, though the fire is under control now, and they have reportedly warned of days of significant disruption at the international airport, reported BBC.

"Due to a fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport, Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage. To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23h59 on 21 March," says an official statement by Heathrow Airport.

Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and have been asked to contact their airline for further information. "We apologise for the inconvenience," read the airport statement.

People took to social media to air their frustration over the sudden shutdown of the airport, and some shared blaze and smoke visuals from the substation site. Many criticised the airport authorities over their unpreparedness and for not having a sufficient back-up plan in the case of such events.

Many customers criticised airlines for their lack of response and the inconvenience caused due to the incident.

"@British_Airways We’re meant to fly on BA0107 to Dubai this afternoon. Your app still shows flight status On Time. I tried to call customer support and the line is closed. What do we do? Is the flight cancelled? Do we go to the airport?," wrote a passenger with handle @tihomirbz.

Another one (@hagarCZspotter) asked: "@HeathrowAirport @British_Airways any updates on flight BA853 departing tomorrow from Prague airport at 7:40 in the morning, because our flight still shows at time, the flight is happening 22.3 7:40."

"@etihad this affects me was due to fly to Sydney Australia today. What do I do now 🙁😳," wrote @chrissybrad94 on X.

Officials clarified that after shutting down the power supply at the airport in the wake of the incident, kickstarting alternative power backup systems would take time. Even if the power supply is resumed, it will take several hours before all the systems are rebooted.

The authorities, meanwhile, have also asked nearby people to keep doors and windows closed amid large plumes of smoke billowing from the substation.

Air India flights to Heathrow disrupted

Air India, in a statement, said its operations to and from London Heathrow (LHR) have been disrupted following the temporary suspension of operations at the airport.

"Consequently, London Heathrow-bound AI129 from Mumbai is returning to Mumbai; AI161 from Delhi is diverting to Frankfurt. All our remaining flights to and from London Heathrow, including AI111 of this morning, have been cancelled for 21 March. We will update about resumption of operations as soon as we have more information."

The airline said flights to London Gatwick remain unaffected.