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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Neil Lancefield

Mystery surrounds cause of fire that sparked Heathrow shutdown and mass flight disruption

The fire at North Hyde electrical substation near the Heathrow Airport in London on March 21, 2025. - (Matthew Muirhead)

The cause of a substation fire that sparked massive delays at Heathrow Airport is unknown, according to an interim report.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) investigation revealed that power was restored to all four passenger terminals by 10.56am on March 21, yet flights didn't restart until approximately 6pm that evening.

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