Chaos has gripped people travelling to, from or through London Heathrow Airport as it remains shut for 24 hours following a fire at an electricity substation that caused massive power outage in west London. The fire at the North Hyde Electricity Substation on Nestles Avenue in Hayes has paralysed Heathrow – one of the world’s busiest airports – stalling operations. Around 120 flights have been diverted mid-air or forced to return to their original destinations, as per Flightradar24. 

“What should we do?” asked many on X (formerly Twitter) as chaos unfolded at Heathrow Airport.  

One traveller, whose flight turned around mid-air, shared their ordeal, “Holy shit. We are over the Atlantic Ocean right now and they are turning our plane around due to a fire at Heathrow Airport. With a 2-year-old and 3-year-old in tow and on our way to a wedding that we might not make in time now. What the f**k.”

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Panic is mounting among those scheduled to depart from Heathrow as well.

“I’m due to fly out of Heathrow airport in four hours but currently everything is closed and we are being told to head back. Please can you let me know the flight status for your flights this morning,” wrote one anxious traveller while tagging Air India and Heathrow Airport. 

Another, desperately seeking answers, wrote, “Please can we have an update of any kind, I’m meant to be leaving for the airport in an hour,” tagging British Airways.

“Crisis: Heathrow Airport Closed, now Bali …. Wait for the news stories ‘stranded in Bali’ because my Jetstar flight has been cancelled,” said another. 

This traveller tagged Virgin Atlantic, asking, “What should we do?” The traveller explained, “Supposed to be flying to New York in 2 hours, flight status says still on time, no updates or information.”

“I’m supposed to be travelling from Heathrow in a few hours. I’ve been advised not to travel to airport but cannot get through to anyone to change flights. And my flight status still states “on time”. Please help,” one confused passenger asked British Airways. 

The total closure of London Heathrow Airport today is set to impact at least 1,351 flights to and from LHR. This number does not account for additional cancellations or delays that may arise due to aircraft being out of position, according to Flightradar 24.

Air India cancels flights

Air India cancelled flights to and from London Heathrow. In a statement, it said, “Due to a significant power outage, London Heathrow Airport has been shut down until 23:59 on 21st March. All Air India flights to and from London Heathrow for 21st March have been cancelled.”

It also shared helplines to assist travellers, “For more information or assistance, please call our Contact Centre at +91 1169329333 / +91 1169329999. UK-bound customers, please call +44 203 757 2760.”

Efforts to put out the fire that is visible from several kilometres away are underway. As many as 10 fire engines and around 70 firefighters are working to contain and extinguish the blaze. Hundreds of people living in Hydes have been evacuated by the fire department. People are advised against travelling to Hydes, Hounslow and surrounding areas.

“Due to a fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport, Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage,” Heathrow Airport said on Twitter (now X). 

It added, “To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23h59 on 21 March. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and should contact their airline for further information. We apologise for the inconvenience.”

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have redirected their flights to nearby Gatwick airport. Qantas rerouted its Perth-London flight to Paris, while a United Airlines flight from New York was diverted to Shannon, Ireland. Some US-bound flights were forced to turn around mid-air and return to their departure airports.