Travel Meltdown Averted as Heathrow Gets Back on Track
London’s Heathrow Airport—Europe’s busiest travel hub—is buzzing again after a fiery power outage grounded over 1,300 flights and stranded nearly 300,000 passengers worldwide. Here’s what you need to know:
The Shutdown That Shook Global Travel 
A massive blaze at a nearby substation on Thursday night cut power to the airport, forcing a full closure. Travelers were told to stay away Friday as crews scrambled to fix the damage. By evening, limited flights resumed, but chaos lingered as planes were diverted to other cities—some even returning to their departure points!
Passenger Panic and CEO Apologies 
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye called the disruption ‘deeply regrettable,’ vowing a return to full operations by Saturday. ‘We’re sorry for the inconvenience,’ he said, addressing the mass exodus of grounded planes and stressed-out travelers. Baggage piles? Delayed vacations? Yep, it was peak travel nightmare fuel.
What’s Next for Heathrow? 
While police ruled out sabotage, investigators are probing the substation’s electrical systems. For now, travelers should check flight statuses and prep for residual delays. Pro tip: Pack snacks, download Netflix shows, and brace for possible luggage lag.
Reference(s):
Heathrow reopens after fire forces mass flight cancellations
cgtn.com