London’s Heathrow Airport has announced a complete shutdown because of a power outage due to a large fire nearby, causing massive disruption to one of the world’s busiest travel hubs.
Heathrow’s closure is expected to affect more than 1,300 flights, potentially causing disruption for tens of thousands of travelers. An airline analytics firm estimated that “upwards of 145,000” passengers could be impacted.
The airport is warning of “significant disruption” over the coming days. Heathrow said “passengers should not travel to the airport under any circumstances until the airport reopens” and should contact their airline for more information.
The large blaze near Heathrow will be a “prolonged incident” with disruption for residents in the area expected to increase, according to the London Fire Brigade. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, it said. (CNN)