An incident involving flames at an electrical substation adjacent to London’s Heathrow Airport resulted in a major blackout, prompting the airport to close until midnight on Friday. The airport extended its apologies for the disruption, urging travelers to refrain from heading to the airport and to reach out to their airlines for the latest updates.
The blaze, first reported on Thursday evening, impacted not just the airport but also local residences and businesses. The London Fire Brigade dispatched a substantial number of firefighters and fire engines to manage the situation.
This closure is anticipated to significantly affect international travel, with no fewer than 1,351 flights impacted. The airport typically services close to 84 million passengers annually, catering to over 200 destinations in nearly 90 nations.
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Authorities are closely monitoring the development, advising local residents to keep their windows and doors shut due to considerable smoke. The London Fire Brigade has indicated that this will be an extended operation, with crews remaining on site throughout the night.
Travelers are encouraged to verify with their airlines for updates regarding flight schedules and to consider alternative arrangements if necessary. The airport is striving to resolve the situation swiftly and reduce disruptions for travelers.