In brief
The fire at an electrical substation has led to widespread travel disruptions, affecting passengers globally.
Heathrow Airport, one of the world's busiest travel hubs, was forced to close for the entirety of Friday due to a power outage triggered by a fire at a nearby electrical substation in London. This unfortunate event has resulted in significant travel disruptions on a global scale. With an average of over 220,000 passengers traversing the airport daily, the shutdown not only impacts the United Kingdom but also affects airlines and travelers connecting to diverse destinations within Europe and beyond.The incident unfolded early Friday morning, soon after the airport reported a loss of power. The London Fire Brigade responded to an emergency call regarding the fire late Thursday, mobilizing dozens of firefighters to the scene. The fire affected not only the airport but also left approximately 16,000 local residents without electricity. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and emergency services have evacuated about 150 individuals from nearby premises.As the closure has ripple effects on flight schedules, reports indicate that 1,351 flights will be impacted, according to data from Flightradar24. While 120 planes en route to Heathrow were redirected to alternative airports such as London Gatwick, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Charles de Gaulle in Paris, several flights were forced to return to their originating locations.Authorities, including a spokesperson for Heathrow, have stressed the importance of not traveling to the airport until it reopens, which is not expected until at least 11:59 PM local time on Friday. Pat Goulbourne, an assistant commissioner from the London Fire Brigade, emphasized that disruptions are likely to continue in the ensuing days, urging travelers to stay informed.For passengers affected by the closure, Britain's laws safeguard consumer rights during travel disruptions. Airlines are obligated to provide assistance to passengers flying from the UK or arriving on EU or UK carriers. In the event of cancellation, travelers may choose between a refund or rerouting. Essential accommodations, meals, and transport must also be arranged for those faced with significant delays or cancellations.For passengers seeking real-time updates on their flights, monitoring airline communications and the official Heathrow Airport website is advisable as they navigate this unexpected situation.John Yoon is a reporter based in Seoul, focused on breaking and trending news.