LONDON (AP) — On Friday evening, the first aircraft touched down at Heathrow Airport approximately 18 hours after a devastating fire at an electrical substation unleashed a power outage, leading to the temporary closure of Europe’s busiest airport.
The British Airways flight landed just before sunset, marking the end of a disruptive period for international travelers around the world as Heathrow reopened its doors following significant operational halts.
Flight tracking service FlightRadar 24 reported that over 1,350 flights were impacted due to this incident, with residual effects anticipated for several days as passengers scramble to adjust their itineraries and airlines coordinate travel logistics for grounded crews and stranded planes.
The source of the fire remains under investigation; however, authorities have stated that there is currently no evidence to suggest foul play was involved.
Witnesses in west London recounted hearing a loud explosion accompanied by flames and smoke when the blaze engulfed an electrical substation located near Heathrow.
When the announcement regarding airport closure was made, roughly 120 flights were airborne. Some of these flights had to turn back while others were redirected to alternative airports such as Gatwick outside London, Charles de Gaulle in Paris, or Shannon Airport in Ireland according to tracking data.
Lawrence Hayes found himself en route from New York City on Virgin Atlantic when his flight was diverted unexpectedly towards Glasgow instead. “It was supposed to be a night flight; I don’t even realize how long I’ve been awake,” Hayes relayed during his arrival in Scotland. “Fortunately my wife managed to book me a train back home from Euston—it’s going to be quite an endurance test.”
Heathrow stands among the world’s busiest hubs for international travel and had recently experienced its highest January traffic on record earlier this year with more than 6.3 million passengers—a growth exceeding 5% compared to last year’s figures.
Causation of Fire Remains Undefined But No Foul Play Suspected
While it is still too soon for officials to determine what ignited this substantial fire roughly two miles (about three kilometers) away from Heathrow Airport, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband assured there are “no indications” suggesting any malicious activity behind it.
The Metropolitan Police explained they assigned counterterrorism officers for swift investigation owing not only their expertise but also because significant national infrastructure could be affected by such incidents.
A backup power supply designed specifically for emergencies functioned according Wilmington Department but fell short of sustaining operations across all airport facilities prompting an inevitable full-day shutdown directive. “Significant interruptions are anticipated over the days ahead,” cautioned airport officials advising travelers against heading into Heathrow until further notice.< / p >
The incident raised questions about Britain’s preparedness regarding crisis management since one singular event can bring Europe’s key transportation hub nearly entirely offline with relative ease.< / p >
“The UK’s critical infrastructure appears inadequately prepared given how easily one blaze forced Heathrow’s operations cease,” stated Alan Mendoza from The Henry Jackson Society—a security think tank—signifying systemic vulnerabilities within disaster management protocols.”
A spokesperson representing Prime Minister Keir Starmer admitted authorities must address constituent concerns promptly urging comprehensive investigations ensure prevention measures reaffirm safe transportation continuity going forward.< / p >
Persistent Disruptions Expected
Initially indicating reopening intentions just before midnight arrived reports iterated intense disruptions might linger various days warranting caution amongst potential travelers avoiding attempts visits until safely ongoing services guaranteed restored status emerged once again.” .< / p >
If anything persistently slow recovery efforts post-crisis exemplify necessity stringent readiness measures precautionary role logistics involved assigning responsibilities balancing resources utilized talent impacting future outcomes.” said aviation analyst Anita Mendiratta reflecting upon widespread ramifications throughout industry overall.< / em >< / p >
Canceled Flights Leaving Travelers in Limbo
Diversions proliferated across airways pronounced plight Matthew Doherty faced mid-transatlantic voyage realizing adjustments forthcoming rather precipitously enroute directly homeward.” This situation emphasizes inadequacies held previously toward emergency scenarios acknowledged” he deemed disconcertingly inadequate amid pressing scenarios manifest themselves expectedly.””” .< / P >
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