More than 1,300 flights have been impacted by Heathrow Airport’s sudden closure according to Flight Radar – but the number does not include cancellations or delays
Thousands of travellers have had their plans thrown into chaos after a fire at an electrical substation grounded all flights at Heathrow Airport. Online flight tracking service FlightRadar24 said Heathrow’s closure would affect at least 1,351 flights to and from the airport.
Around 120 flights to the airport were in the air when the closure was announced. At least six flights diverted from Heathrow will land at Shannon Airport in Co Clare, Ireland, on Friday.
Some 27 flights to or from Dublin Airport are also affected including three flights due to arrive in Belfast from Heathrow this morning. A spokesperson for the Shannon Airport Group said: “We are closely monitoring the situation at Heathrow Airport and are providing support by accommodating diverted flights as needed and our team is on-site to assist with the additional passengers.
“So far, Shannon Airport has facilitated six diverted flights originally scheduled to land at Heathrow, including flights from Toronto, Atlanta, Bridgetown Barbados, Boston, Orlando and Newark.
“The first of these flights landed safely at 4.26am this morning.”
Edinburgh Airport has advised any British Airways passengers not to travel to the airport following the disruption at Heathrow caused by a fire at an electrical substation in west London.
“Due to temporary closure of Heathrow Airport, all British Airways passengers are being advised not to travel to Edinburgh Airport and to contact British Airways for further information,” a spokesperson said.
“Flights with other airlines to other London airports are currently operating as normal.”
The airport added it has not been asked to take any diverted flights.
Heathrow is the UK’s largest airport with 83.9 million passengers passing through in 2024. Officials have said it will not reopen today.
London Fire Brigade said 10 fire engines and around 70 firefighters were at the blaze on Nestles Avenue, Hayes.
Around 20 people have been evacuated from surrounding properties and a 100-metre cordon has been put in place as a precaution.
Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel, said passengers affected by Heathrow’s closure are entitled to assistance from their airline.
He 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.
“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.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the situation at Heathrow as “fast-moving”.
She posted on X: “I’m receiving updates on the fast-moving situation at Heathrow Airport.
“I’m grateful to emergency services responding to the fire and National Grid for working to restore power to the airport and homes.
“I’d urge passengers not to travel to the airport and contact their airline.”
Some 100,000 homes were without power overnight as a result of the fire near Heathrow Airport, Ed Miliband said, adding this had now been brought down to 4,000.
There have been no casualties or anyone treated for injuries at the scene of the fire at an electrical substation in Hayes, the London Ambulance Service said.
A statement on Heathrow Airport website states: Due to a fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport, Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage.
“To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23:59 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.”
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