Created Friday, Mar 21st 2025 10:13Z, last updated Friday, Mar 21st 2025 10:38Z
An external power substation near Heathrow Airportsupplying power to the airport, located about 2.3nm northnortheast of the airport, suffered a major fire at about 03:30L (03:30Z), the power supply to Heathrow Airport as well as thousands of homes failed as result.
The airport needed to close as result, all flights for Mar 21st 2025 needed to be cancelled. The airport's announcement reads:
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 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.
International flights already in the air bound for Heathrow were diverted to other UK airports like London Gatwick,EN (UK) and as far as Manchester,EN (UK).
Residents reported there had been an explosion like sound waking them up, their houses shook. 150 homes needed to be evacuated as result of the fire.
By about 10:00L (10:00Z) fire services stated they now brought the fire at the power substation under control.
Related NOTAM:
A1918/25 NOTAMN
Q) EGTT/QFALC/IV/NBO/A /000/999/5129N00028W005
A) EGLL B) 2503210143 C) 2503212359
E) AD CLOSED DUE TO A MAJOR INCIDENT IN THE LOCAL VICINTY AFFECTING
POWER SUPPLY
The fire at Heathrow's power supply:
Map (Graphics: AVH/Google Earth):
