The collapse of power supplies in Spain and Portugal in April led to the cancellation of around 500 flights. Yet when London Heathrow suffered a partial loss of power on Friday 21 March, nearly three times as many departures and arrivals were grounded.
The airport’s chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, insisted the shutdown was the only possible response because of safety concerns. He told MPs on the Transport Select Committee: “On the day of the incident, our focus was very clear and immediate: to protect the safety of passengers and airport staff, to protect the security of the airport and the integrity of our borders, and to minimise disruption and resume operations as soon as possible.”
