London Heathrow Airport Closed Due to Power Failure

London's Heathrow Airport, Europe's largest airport by passenger traffic, will be closed today due to a power outage following a fire at an electrical substation.

Heathrow is experiencing a significant power outage. To ensure the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 11:59 pm [same time in Lisbon] on March 21, "said the airport operator. 

In a statement released on social networks, Heathrow Airport Holdings recommended that passengers do not go down to the airport and advise them to get more information." Significant in the coming days, "admitted the operator. 

The company said it will make an update of operations when you have more information about the resuming power supply. Lisbon Airport has today foreseen 22 matches and flights from and for Heathrow. of 70 firefighters "who are currently fighting the fire". Deputy Commissioner Pat Goulbourne explained that the fire "caused a large number of local houses and companies" and that they are "working in close collaboration with partners to minimize the hassles".

According to local media, police removed 29 people from homes located near the substation and, as a precautionary measure, established a 200-meter security perimeter, resulting in the removal of a further 150 people.

Due to the amount of smoke, residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed.

"This is a highly visible and significant incident and our firefighters are working tirelessly in challenging conditions to bring the fire under control as quickly as possible," Goulbourne said, before noting that the cause of the blaze was still unknown.

Electricity company Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said on social media that the power outage affected more than 16,300 homes.

In late January, the British Labour government gave political support to the construction of a third runway at London's Heathrow Airport, to boost UK economic growth.

Finance Minister Rachel Reeves argued in a speech that Heathrow is essential for the country's business and tourism activity.

The executive's backing opens the door for Heathrow Airport Holdings to formally present revised expansion plans, after previous projects were rejected by neighborhood opposition or legal challenges despite government backing.