Heathrow Airport fire (4): it resumes flights
Partial reopening tonight with priority given to repatriation and relocation of aircraft

After the temporary closure due to a fire that broke out in the electrical substation with consequent power outage (see AVIONEWS 1, 2 and 3), London-Heathrow airport has announced the partial resumption of air connections. An official statement specifies that thanks to the timely intervention of firefighters and technicians, operations have been gradually re-established, allowing the resumption of departing and arriving flights.
Today's incident caused a blackout that interrupted normal flight operations for several hours. Airport authorities immediately activated emergency procedures, evacuating the affected areas and intervening to contain the fire. According to the press release, the situation was managed effectively, with no structural damage reported to the facilities.
The resumption of flights is leading to an almost complete return to normality, although some routes may experience temporary delays due to the activities of restoring all functions of the airport, and post-fire safety checks.
In the note, the airport continues to advise passengers to contact their airline before going to the airport. Further updates, it concludes, will be provided as the situation stabilizes.
AVIONEWS - World Aeronautical Press Agency