Heathrow Airport closed after ‘vital energy outage’ attributable to close by hearth

Heathrow Airport is to stay shut till midnight attributable to a big hearth at a close-by electrical energy substation.

A spokesperson mentioned there was a “vital energy outage throughout the airport” and “we should not have readability on when energy could also be reliably restored”.

Passengers have been warned to remain away.

Observe reside updates on Heathrow closure

“We count on vital disruption over the approaching days and passengers mustn’t journey to the airport below any circumstances till the airport reopens.”

Monitoring web site Flightradar24 estimates at the very least 1,351 flights out and in of Heathrow will likely be affected as we speak, together with round 120 already within the air this morning.

Flights normally start round 5am after the common in a single day quiet interval.

Some planes have already been diverted to locations together with Gatwick, Paris, and Shannon in Eire.

London Heathrow is among the world’s busiest airports and had a file 83.9 million passengers final yr, with a airplane touchdown or taking off round each 45 seconds.

Its complete closure is about to have knock-on results on airline operations around the globe.

British Airways, the largest service at Heathrow, reiterated that prospects mustn’t go to the airport till additional discover.

An announcement mentioned: “It will clearly have a major affect on our operation and our prospects and we’re working as shortly as doable to replace them on their journey choices for the following 24 hours and past.”

The fireplace that induced the ability outage is at a substation in Hayes, about 1.5 miles to the north of the airport, and an estimated 16,000 properties close by are additionally with out electrical energy.

Photos from the scene – on Nestles Avenue – present giant flames and plumes of thick black smoke.

Round 150 folks have been evacuated and a 200-metre cordon is in place.

London Fireplace Brigade (LFB) mentioned 10 engines and round 70 firefighters had been working to extinguish the blaze – with the primary 999 name acquired at 11.23pm.

It mentioned a transformer throughout the North Hyde substation was alight however the trigger is to date unknown.

A Nationwide Grid spokesperson mentioned they “working at pace to revive energy provides as shortly as doable” after the fireplace broken tools.

LFB Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne mentioned it will be “a protracted incident”.

“As we head into the morning, disruption is predicted to extend, and we urge folks to keep away from the realm wherever doable,” he mentioned.

Scottish and Southern Electrical energy Networks mentioned shortly after midnight {that a} “widespread energy reduce” was affecting Hayes, Hounslow and surrounding areas.

Nevertheless, it estimated it will be “resolved by 3am”.

A graphic on the corporate’s web site steered round 16,000 properties had been affected.

Firefighters from Heathrow, Hayes, Hillingdon, Southall and different stations are all concerned within the response.

Police are supporting the firefighters, whereas residents have been urged to maintain home windows and doorways closed as a result of smoke.