A major fire at an electrical substation near Heathrow Airport forced Britain’s busiest aviation hub to shut down on Friday, severely impacting global flight operations. The fire broke out late Thursday night, knocking out power across the airport and disabling its backup power system, leading to an unprecedented closure.

Authorities deployed approximately 70 firefighters to battle the flames in West London. Large orange flames and thick black smoke filled the night sky before emergency crews managed to bring the fire under control. However, the incident left Heathrow inoperable, causing disruptions for thousands of travelers and airlines worldwide.

Massive Flight Disruptions Across the Globe
Heathrow was scheduled to manage 1,351 flights on Friday, handling up to 291,000 passengers. The sudden power outage resulted in mass diversions, with planes rerouted to airports across Britain and Europe, while many long-haul flights turned back to their departure points. Airlines, including British Airways—the airport’s largest carrier—struggled to reorganise their schedules, leading to widespread delays and cancellations.

Industry experts predict prolonged disruptions, as the sudden displacement of aircraft and crew members will affect flights for days. Ian Petchenik, a spokesperson for flight-tracking platform FlightRadar24, emphasised the global implications of the shutdown, saying, “Heathrow is one of the major hubs of the world. This is going to disrupt airlines’ operations globally.”

According to FlightRadar24, over 120 inbound flights were diverted early Friday morning. Qantas Airways redirected its Perth to London flight to Paris, while United Airlines’ New York flight landed in Shannon, Ireland, instead of London. Another United Airlines flight from San Francisco had to divert to Washington, D.C. Some flights returning from the United States even reversed course mid-air to return to their departure cities.

Authorities Investigate Cause; No Indications of Foul Play
The cause of the fire remains unknown. The London Fire Brigade announced that investigators would examine the incident thoroughly. “Our fire investigators will begin their investigation, and we will continue working closely with our partners to minimise disruption and support the community,” the fire brigade stated.

Britain’s Energy Minister, Ed Miliband, confirmed that the fire damaged Heathrow’s power systems so severely that even backup generators failed. He assured the public that a third backup system was being deployed to restore electricity. While authorities ruled out foul play, Miliband acknowledged the need to review the country’s infrastructure resilience following such a catastrophic event.

Passenger Chaos and Visa Complications
Passengers found themselves stranded in unfamiliar locations, with some unable to leave European transit lounges due to visa restrictions. Travel analysts predict that airlines will face significant challenges in managing displaced passengers.

Henry Harteveldt, an aviation industry analyst at Atmosphere Research Group, highlighted the logistical nightmare ahead. “The big question is, how will airlines handle the backlog of passengers? It’s going to be a chaotic few days,” he said.

Social media users shared their real-time experiences, with one traveller, Adrian Spender, posting on X: “#Heathrow no idea where we are going yet. Currently over Austria.”

Power Outages Extend Beyond the Airport
The impact of the fire was not limited to Heathrow. Homes and businesses in surrounding areas also experienced power failures. Firefighters rescued 29 people from nearby buildings, evacuating approximately 150 residents as a precautionary measure. A 200-meter safety cordon was established around the affected area.

Uncertain Timeline for Restoration
With Heathrow remaining closed until at least midnight on Friday, airport officials have warned of continued disruptions in the coming days. “Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and should contact their airline for further information,” a Heathrow spokesperson stated. “We apologise for the inconvenience.”

The airport has faced power and system failures in the past, including an air traffic control meltdown and an automated gate failure in 2023. However, this latest incident is one of the most severe, highlighting vulnerabilities in its infrastructure.

As engineers work to restore power and airlines scramble to readjust schedules, passengers and aviation authorities brace for prolonged delays and operational challenges.