Flight Disruptions Mount as Heathrow Diverts Over 120 Flights
Travelers are facing significant chaos as flight tracking website Flightradar24 reports that at least 120 flights destined for Heathrow Airport will be rerouted due to the ongoing airport closure.
Numerous flights are already being redirected to alternative airports. Qantas Airways has diverted its Perth to Paris flight, and a United Airlines flight from New York is en route to Shannon, Ireland. Some transatlantic flights from the US have reportedly reversed course mid-air, returning to their departure points.
A United Airlines flight originating from San Francisco is now expected to land in Washington, D.C., instead of London. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have opted to divert flights to nearby Gatwick Airport.
Heathrow, recognized as one of the world’s busiest airports with two runways, typically manages approximately 1,300 takeoffs and landings daily, according to its official website.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Ian Petchenik, spokesperson for FlightRadar24, stated, “Heathrow serves as a crucial global hub. This closure is anticipated to cause widespread disturbances to airline operations internationally.”
Key events
The Hayes fire is also causing considerable disruption on the ground for London residents.
Social media footage has captured dramatic images of towering flames and substantial plumes of smoke emanating from the substation.
The fire brigade reported receiving almost 200 calls regarding the incident, with emergency crews dispatched from Hayes, Heathrow, Hillingdon, Southall, and adjacent areas.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks confirmed via a post on X a large-scale power cut in the vicinity, impacting over 16,300 residences.
Emergency services were alerted to the situation at 11:23 pm on Thursday.
The origin of the fire remains under investigation.
Reuters reports that United Airlines has confirmed the cancellation of flights to Heathrow, with seven flights having already returned to their originating airports or been diverted to alternative destinations on Friday.
Flightradar24 provides further details indicating a broader impact, estimating that over 1,000 flights will be affected by Heathrow’s sudden closure today.
In a statement posted on Bluesky, the flight tracker elaborated, “The complete shutdown of London Heathrow today is projected to disrupt at least 1,351 flights to and from LHR. This figure excludes potential cancellations or delays stemming from aircraft displacement.”
Flight Diversions in Detail
Travel disruptions are expected to escalate for passengers as flight tracking website Flightradar24 indicates that at least 120 flights en route to Heathrow will be redirected due to the airport’s operational halt.
Numerous flights have commenced diversion procedures to nearby airports. Examples include a Qantas Airways flight from Perth to Paris and a United Airlines service from New York to Shannon, Ireland. Several flights originating from the United States have reportedly turned back mid-flight to their departure cities.
Specifically, a United Airlines flight from San Francisco is now scheduled to arrive in Washington, D.C., instead of its intended destination, London Heathrow. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have rerouted their flights to Gatwick Airport, a neighboring London airport.
Heathrow Airport, recognized as a major international air travel hub with two runways, typically facilitates approximately 1,300 flight operations daily, encompassing both take-offs and landings, as per information on its official site.
Ian Petchenik, a spokesperson for FlightRadar24, commented, “Heathrow is a pivotal global aviation center. This airport’s shutdown will inevitably create significant operational challenges for airlines worldwide.”
A Heathrow airport representative has warned to anticipate considerable disruptions persisting for several days in the aftermath of the fire.
“Heathrow is currently experiencing a major power outage throughout the airport due to a substantial fire at a nearby electrical substation. While fire crews are actively addressing the situation, the timeframe for reliable power restoration remains uncertain.
“Significant disruptions are foreseen over the coming days; therefore, passengers are strongly advised against traveling to the airport under any circumstances until it is officially reopened.
“We are committed to providing updates as soon as further information regarding the resumption of operations becomes available. We understand this situation is frustrating for passengers and assure you that we are working diligently to resolve it.”
London Fire Brigade has reaffirmed that its crews are still present at the fire incident in Hayes.
“Please continue to ensure windows and doors remain closed due to smoke and keep clear of the affected area. This remains a protracted incident, with crews expected to maintain their presence on scene throughout the night,” the brigade stated in a social media update.
Crews remain at the scene of the fire in #Hayes – please continue to keep windows & doors closed due to smoke & avoid the area. This will be a prolonged incident, with crews remaining on scene throughout the night.Read more: london-fire.gov.uk/incidents/20…
— London Fire Brigade (@londonfire.bsky.social) March 21, 2025 at 1:05 PM
“,”alt”:”bluesky post”,”index”:2,”isTracking”:true,”isMainMedia”:false,”sourceDomain”:”embed.bsky.app”,”isPinnedPost”:false}”>
Allow content provided by a third party?
This article includes content hosted on embed.bsky.app. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as the provider may be using cookies and other technologies. To view this content, click ‘Allow and continue’.
The blaze at the west London substation has compelled Heathrow, designated as one of the globe’s most heavily trafficked airports, to remain closed until midnight on Friday. This shutdown is anticipated to generate extensive interruptions to scheduled travel.
Data compiled by OAG indicates that Heathrow held the position of the second-busiest international airport globally in 2024, ranking only behind Dubai International Airport (DXB).
OAG’s statistics reveal that Heathrow (LHR) occupied the second position subsequent to Dubai, accommodating 48.4 million seats, with overall airline capacity showing a 4% increase compared to figures from 2023.
Heathrow Airport Closure: Key Updates
Welcome to live updates on the Heathrow Airport closure triggered by a fire incident at an electricity substation in Hayes. The fire has resulted in a power outage, leaving the airport without electrical supply.
Airport authorities have indicated that the airport will remain closed until midnight on March 21. Substantial travel disruptions are anticipated, and passengers are advised to avoid traveling to Heathrow.
Emergency fire services are addressing the situation; however, the timeline for complete power restoration is still uncertain. A Heathrow spokesperson communicated to Reuters via email, stating that significant disruptions are expected in the coming days.
Eurocontrol, the agency managing European air traffic operations, announced on its operational website that all flight arrivals to Heathrow are suspended due to the power failure, with flight diversion protocols activated.
According to data from the travel analysis firm OAG, Heathrow was ranked as the second busiest international airport worldwide in 2024, surpassed only by Dubai International Airport.
The London Fire Brigade reported that its teams are actively combatting the fire in Hayes, west London, and have evacuated approximately 150 individuals as a precautionary measure.
For a comprehensive report, refer to: