Heathrow Airport to remain closed all day as 16,000 homes left without power after substation fire

21 March 2025, 00:55 | Updated: 21 March 2025, 07:36

Heathrow Airport says it will remain closed until midnight tonight after a fire at a nearby electricity substation knocked out its power supply.

Passengers have been told not to travel to the airport and to contact their airline for further information.

Heathrow has apologised for the inconvenience and says it's acting in the interest of public safety.

The decision is likely to cause significant travel disruption.

Ten fire engines were sent to the scene of the blaze in Hayes late on Thursday, as teams attempted to bring it under control.

The public have been urged to "avoid the area", with the London Fire Brigade adding that 150 people had been evacuated and a 200-metre cordon "put in place as a precaution".

The fire is thought to have started at the substation on Nestles Avenue in Hayes.

No injuries have so far been reported and the cause is unknown.

Part of the substation remains alight according to reports, with flames and smoke seen bellowing into the night sky.

"I was crossing a bridge and there was a huge explosion," one eyewitness told LBC.

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Explaining that he felt the heat from the explosion, Abs told Ben Kentish that "all the power is out for the entire area up to Hounslow."

Footage from the scene shows large blankets of flames lighting up the skies close to Heathrow Airport.

According to the Powertrack site, around 16,000 households are thought to be without electricity.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks confirmed a large-scale power outage in the surrounding areas.

Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne from the London Fire Brigade said: "This is a highly visible and significant incident, and our firefighters are working tirelessly in challenging conditions to bring the fire under control as swiftly as possible.

"The fire has caused a power outage affecting a large number of homes and local businesses, and we are working closely with our partners to minimise disruption.

"This will be a prolonged incident, with crews remaining on scene throughout the night. As we head into the morning, disruption is expected to increase, and we urge people to avoid the area wherever possible".

The blaze saw many locals take to social media to share their experiences and gain updates on the blaze.

One traveller, located in a hotel near Heathrow, took to X, explaining: "So this is why my Heathrow hotel has no power!"

Another X user, @Azkka, posted a video of flames erupting from behind a supermarket located near the scene, adding: "Looks like the industrial estate behind the Tesco in Hayes".

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said: "We're aware of a widespread power cut affecting many of our customers around the Hayes, Hounslow and surrounding areas".