Online flight tracking service Flightradar24 said more than 1,300 flights were disrupted by the closure, with 120 flights to the airport in the air when the closure was announced.
Heathrow is set to remain shut until 11.59pm this evening, with the airport warning customers not to travel “under any circumstances” before it reopens.
The closure is due to a transformer within the North Hyde electrical substation catching fire last night night (March 21) in west London.
The airport, which is supplied by the substation, said it was among those impacted by the power outage.
London airports issue update to customers amid Heathrow closure
But across London, airports such as Gatwick have been issuing updates to travellers facing cancelled flights and delays.
Taking to X, Gatwick Airport said in a statement: “We are aware of the situation at @HeathrowAirport today and are supporting where required.
“Flights from London Gatwick are operating as normal today.”
We are aware of the situation at @HeathrowAirport today and are supporting where required.
Flights from London Gatwick are operating as normal today. pic.twitter.com/cAMbTBQj04
— London Gatwick LGW (@Gatwick_Airport) March 21, 2025
Elsewhere, London Luton and Stansted airports said they have not been asked to receive any additional flights, the Financial Times has reported.
Newsquest has contacted both Luton and Stanstead airports for comment.
Airline-wise, British Airways advised customers not to travel to Heathrow on Friday “until further notice”.
It said in a statement: “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.”
Ryanair said it is organising eight “rescue flights” between London Stansted and Ireland for passengers affected by the closure.
Available from 9.30AM at https://t.co/elGuXumwzZ pic.twitter.com/pFfhI9DOaY
— Ryanair Press Team (@RyanairPress) March 21, 2025
The airline explained: “Ryanair will operate four extra flights between Dublin and Stansted on Friday afternoon as well as four extra flights on Saturday morning.
“These flights can be booked on http://Ryanair.com from 9.30am this morning.”
The cheapest one-way ticket from Stansted to Dublin on Friday and Saturday is priced at £132.99 on the Ryanair website.
In contrast, the cheapest ticket for the same route with the airline the following Saturday (March 29) is priced at £14.99.
All flights between Dublin Airport and Heathrow on Friday have been cancelled.
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Birmingham Airport said it will receive any diverted flights from Heathrow and help to transport any stranded customers.
A spokesperson said: “There will be no delays to Birmingham Airport’s own customers due to any diverted Heathrow aircraft. Airports regularly take diverts as part of normal operations and flights inbound to London Heathrow will use multiple airports around the UK, and Ireland, or alternatively may return to their departure airport.
“We will assist with landing any diverted aircraft during the Heathrow closure today and work with those LHR airlines to repatriate their customers upon arrival into Birmingham.”
