Heathrow Airport said it is “safely able to begin some flights later today”, following a fire that shut down operations at the London airport.
A spokesman said that they are focusing on repatriation flights for passengers who were diverted to other airports in Europe.
They added that the airport hopes to resume a full operation on Saturday.
British Airways has been given clearance for eight long-haul flights to depart Heathrow Airport today from 7pm, the airline said in a statement.
The fire broke out just two miles away from Heathrow AirportLONDON FIRE BRIGADE
British Airways has been given clearance for eight long-haul flights to depart Heathrow Airport today from 7pm, the airline said in a statement
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London Heathrow announced that it would be shut the entire day after a huge fire blazed across a nearby substation
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"Our teams have worked tirelessly since the incident to ensure a speedy recovery," a statement from Heathrow Airport said.
"We're now safely able to restart flights, prioritising repatriation and relocation of aircraft."
"We hope to run a full operation tomorrow and will provide further information shortly," the statement continues.
"Our priority remains the safety of our passengers and those working at the airport. We apologise for the inconvenience caused by this incident.
"As the busiest airport in Europe, Heathrow uses as much energy as a small city, therefore getting back to a full and safe operation takes time. We apologise for the inconvenience caused by this incident.”
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An image of the delays and cancellations at Heathrow
HEATHROW AIRPORT
London Heathrow announced that it would be shut for the entire day after a huge fire broke out at a nearby substation, causing a mass power outage and thousands of delays across the capital.
More than 70 firefighters tackled the blaze, which at 8am on Friday the brigade said was under control.
Over 1,350 flights have been disrupted, and thousands of travellers have been left stranded.
Counter-terror police are investigating the cause of the fire at the substation, which happened at around 11.30pm last night.
Heathrow Airport has been closed for the day GBNThe officers – also known as SO15 – will play a prominent role in trying to establish whether or not any hostile agents were involved in causing the fire.
The Met Police said there was “currently no indication of foul play” though said stressed it would “retain an open mind”.
Heathrow is Europe’s largest airport, with more than 83.9 million passengers travelling through its terminals in 2024.
This is believed to be the worst disruption at Heathrow since December 2010, when thousands of Christmas getaway passengers camped in the terminals because of widespread cancellations caused by snow.
