Heathrow Airport is to remain shut until midnight due to a large fire at a nearby electricity substation.
At least 1,300 flights have been cancelled due to a "significant power outage across the airport", with a Heathrow spokesperson saying "we do not have clarity on when power may be reliably restored".
Passengers have been warned to stay away.
"To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, we have no choice but to close Heathrow until 23h59 on 21 March 2025," the statement said. "We expect significant disruption over the coming days and passengers should not travel to the airport under any circumstances until the airport reopens."
Tracking site Flightradar24 estimates at least 1,351 flights in and out of Heathrow will be affected today, including around 120 already in the air this morning.
Flights usually begin around 5am after the regular overnight quiet period.
Some planes have already been diverted to places including Gatwick, Paris, and Shannon in Ireland.
London Heathrow is one of the world's busiest airports and had a record 83.9 million passengers last year, with a plane landing or taking off around every 45 seconds.
Its total closure is set to have knock-on effects on airline operations around the world.
British Airways, the biggest carrier at Heathrow, reiterated that customers should not go to the airport until further notice.
A statement said: "This will clearly have a significant impact on our operation and our customers and we're working as quickly as possible to update them on their travel options for the next 24 hours and beyond."
Gatwick Airport said in a statement that it is "supporting by accepting diverted flights as required" and that it is operating "as normal today".
Comments