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Heathrow Airport Reopens After Substation Fire Causes Major Disruption

The fire near London Heathrow disrupted over 1,350 flights, stranded 200,000 passengers, and exposed vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.

  • A fire at the North Hyde electrical substation in Hayes caused a power outage that shut down Heathrow Airport for nearly 18 hours on Friday, March 21, 2025.
  • The incident forced the cancellation or diversion of over 1,350 flights, affecting an estimated 200,000 passengers globally and stranding many in alternate locations.
  • Full operations resumed Saturday, March 22, but airlines and passengers face ongoing disruptions as planes and crews are repositioned.
  • Authorities confirmed no evidence of foul play, with investigations focusing on the electrical distribution equipment at the substation.
  • The event has raised concerns about the resilience of critical infrastructure and the adequacy of contingency plans at one of the world's busiest airports.
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