A fire at an electrical substation led to a dramatic closure of Heathrow Airport, Europe's busiest travel hub, for nearly a day. On March 21, the fire caused considerable disruption, impacting holiday plans and flights globally. Nigel Wicking, head of the Heathrow Airline Operators’ Committee, revealed he had alerted authorities about potential weaknesses just days prior. He expressed frustration that flights could have started again sooner if better measures were in place.
The incident raises urgent questions about Britain's infrastructure resilience. Experts estimate the cost of installing robust backup systems could reach up to $100 million and might take years to implement. Wicking highlighted that thefts affecting the substation's power supply had previously compromised runway lights, illustrating the airport's vulnerability. The need for a reliable operational capacity at Heathrow is crucial not just for Britain but for international air travel as a whole. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
