The airport’s closure has led to travel chaos. At least 1,351 flights to and from the airport could be cancelled today, according to flight tracking website Flightradar24. Thousands of other flights could also be affected in the coming days due to aircraft and crew being out of position.
About 120 flights were bound for Heathrow when the airport announced it would be closing for the day. Some have turned back to the airport they departed from, while others will be diverted to airports in Europe.
A statement from Heathrow Airport said: “To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, we have no choice but to close Heathrow until 23h59 on 21 March 2025.
“We expect significant disruption over the coming days and passengers should not travel to the airport under any circumstances until the airport reopens.”
The fire at the substation in Hayes has also left more than 4,900 homes without power and 150 people were evacuated from surrounding properties
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Are passengers due compensation?
When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines have a duty to look after you, such as providing meals and accommodation if necessary. They also have a duty to get you to your destination, using another airline if necessary.
However, it looks unlikely that many affected passengers will get to their destination today, with airlines telling travellers to stay at home.
A statement from British Airways said: “Due to a power outage in the London Heathrow area, London Heathrow Airport is currently closed.
“As a result, customers due to travel from Heathrow on Friday are advised not to travel to the airport until further notice. This will clearly have a significant impact on our operation and our customers and we’re working as quickly as possible to update them on their travel options for the next 24 hours and beyond.”
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: “This incident at Heathrow is set to cause major disruption for travellers, with reports suggesting the airport could be closed for the remainder of the day, and potentially longer.
“Don’t attempt to travel to the airport, but instead keep in touch with your airline for their advice. If your flight is cancelled, you won’t be entitled to compensation as these events will be considered an extraordinary circumstance, but you will be entitled to assistance from your airline, including overnight accommodation if needed.
“Passengers will have the choice of being rerouted or accepting a refund, and if you opt for the former, your airline is obliged to get you on a new flight as soon as possible, including with rival carriers from alternative airports. If you instead accept a refund, be aware that your airline will have no further duty of care to you and you’ll need to make your own arrangements.
“It’s also worth checking the terms of your travel insurance to see if you are able to recoup any other expenses you may have incurred as a result of this incident, such as car hire or airport parking fees.”
Related: British Airways ranked worst airline for long-haul flights
