What are my journey choices after Heathrow Airport fireplace closure? Expert says what to do
More than 1,300 flights to and from Heathrow Airport are expected to be disrupted today (March 21) due to the closure as thousands of homes have been left without power
An expert has provided exasperated passengers with advice, as Heathrow Airport is set to be closed all day after a blaze.
The fire earlier today (March 21) led to the cancellation and delay of over 1,300 flights scheduled for Friday at Heathrow Airport. A transformer at North Hyde electrical substation in west London sparked into flames, prompting an emergency evacuation of 100 individuals.
The airport, powered by the affected substation, acknowledged being hit by the power cut. Travellers hoping to take to the skies today are now facing upheaval in their travel plans. Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel, assured passengers affected by Heathrow’s temporary closure are entitled to assistance from their airlines.
Boland said: “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.”
Boland added passengers should check “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.”
Guy Anker, Director at Compare the Market, also urged passengers to “get in contact directly with your airline”.
He added: “If you’ve been impacted by the airport closure, you are entitled to alternative flights. In many cases, you may have the right to be reimbursed on extra costs such as hotels and food, under European air passengers’ rights rules. It is, however, important that you speak with your airline to ascertain what exactly will be reimbursed.
Anker stressed that because of the “exceptional” circumstances, such as what has happened at Heathrow “could result in the [travel insurance] process being slower than normal.”
Following the fire incident, a spokesperson for Heathrow 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.”
In an effort to assure concerned passengers, they added: “We will provide an update when more information on the resumption of operations is available. We know this will be disappointing for passengers and we want to reassure you that we are working as hard as possible to resolve the situation.”
