Reserve energy supply to Heathrow airport in London was also affected by the fire in the substation that caused the venue to close due to the power outage, according to Ed Miliband, UK’s secretary of energy.
The closure of the airport in the English capital caused chaos on travel worldwide, with hundreds of canceled, late or diverted flights, while aviation experts wondered why there was no “plan B”.
Miliband told Sky News that he was informed that a reserve generator could not be used as it was also affected by the fire. Terminals two and four of the place remain without light.
“Given the size of this fire, the backup mechanisms also seem to have been affected,” he said.
However, it was too early to say whether the incident pointed out anything about the security of critical infrastructure in the UK, he added.
“It’s obviously an unusual event. It’s not something that has happened before,” said the secretary.
Earlier, an aviation analyst explained to the CNN that the apparent failure of the airport reserve electricity supply was “unusual.”
“You are our main center for the world. You are incredibly important to the UK economy. There has to be a plan B,” said Aviation Analyst Geoffrey Thomas.
British Prime Minister Keir Strmer said on Friday that he was receiving updates on the fire, adding that he was in close contact with the authorities at the scene.
“I know the situation at Heathrow airport is causing anguish and disturbance, especially for those who travel,” Stmerer wrote on the social media platform X. “I am receiving regular updates and I am in close contact with partners on site.”
I know the situation in heathrow is causing distress and disruption, specially for tose travelling or with others in their homes.
I’m regular receiving updates and I’m in close contact with partners on the ground.
Thanks to our emergency workers for kesing People Safe.
– Keir Stmerer (@keir_starmer) March 21, 2025
*With information from Reuters
This content was originally published in airport energy reserve in London was also affected by fire on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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