Heathrow to resume limited flights after fire causes power cut

(Sharecast News) - London's Heathrow airport said some operations would resume on Friday after a fire at a local electricity substation overnight caused a power outage, hitting more than 1,300 flights and disrupting air travel globally. Power had now been restored to the west London airport and the reduced operation would prioritise repatriation and relocation of aircraft, Heathrow said. Officials advised passengers not to travel "unless your airline has advised you to do so".

"We will now work with the airlines on repatriating the passengers who were diverted to other airports in Europe. We hope to run a full operation tomorrow and will provide further information shortly."

British Airways, owned by IAG and one of the biggest carriers operating out of Heathrow, said it had been cleared to operate eight long-haul flights from 7pm.

UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said there was no suggestion of foul play as the cause of the fire, adding that counter-terrorism police were involved in the investigation because it took place next to a critical piece of national infrastructure.

"The counter-terrorism command has specific capabilities and capacities that mean that they are used to conducting investigations at pace, and it's really important that we identify the cause of this quickly," she said.

"There are no suggestions at the moment of foul play, but you will appreciate the investigation, keeps an open mind, and our priority is identifying the cause as soon as possible." Alexander also spoke to Heathrow Airport's chief executive about "any lessons that might be learned for the future".

The enormous blaze at the substation in Hayes, west London started shortly after 2300 GMT on Thursday with the London Fire Brigade bringing it under control at 0800 GMT on Friday. More than 16,000 homes were also affected.

Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters responded to the fire, caused by a transformer within the substation, the LFB said.

British Airways, which had 341 flights scheduled to land at Heathrow on Friday, said the fire would "clearly have a significant impact on our operation and our customers, and we are working as quickly as possible to update them on their travel options for the next 24 hours and beyond".

All departing and arriving Virgin Atlantic flights have been cancelled until midday on 21 March, the airline said.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com