Update:
Friday, 1.35pm – A spokesperson for Shannon Airport has now confirmed that passengers from the flights that diverted there this morning have been transferred to hotels pending confirmation of when they will continue their journeys.
Flights from Toronto, Boston, Bridgetown (Barbados), Newark, Atlanta and Orlando were rerouted to the midwest airport this morning after their crews were advised that Heathrow Airport had been closed because of a major power outage.
Shannon Airport is again advising passengers that all London Heathrow flights to and from Shannon Airport today have been cancelled and to check with their airline for updates. With the exception of the London Heathrow service, all flights to and from Shannon Airport are operating to a normal schedule today.
The spokesperson said: “All passengers from the six diverted flights have now departed Shannon Airport and are being bussed to hotels, with the last passengers leaving the airport shortly after 12:15pm. Their respective airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and United Airlines will contact these passengers with further updates.’
A number of flights have already diverted to Shannon Airport this morning after one of the world’s busiest airports was plunged into darkness earlier.
Heathrow Airport in England is expected to remain closed for the rest of the day after a fire at a West london electrical substation that supplies the airport. As a result, Heathrow is experiencing what has been described as significant power outage.
At least 1,300 flights face disruption as a result of the fire which, London Fire Brigade, said was attended by ten fire appliances and around 70 firefighters.
Around 150 people were evacuated from homes and a 200-metre cordon has been put in place.
“To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23:59 on 21 March. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and should contact their airline for further information. We apologise for the inconvenience,” a Heathrow Airport spokesperson said.
Flights that had left their destinations en route to Heathrow after the incident occurred, began diverting to alternate airports early this morning. In some cases, flights were turned back and returned to their point of origin.
Today’s scheduled Aer Lingus services between Shannon and Heathrow have also been cancelled while several flights that were en route to Heathrow, have already been forced to divert to Shannon.
A spokesperson for the Shannon Airport Group said: “We are closely monitoring the situation at Heathrow Airport and are providing support by accommodating diverted flights as needed and our team is on-site to assist with the additional passengers.
The airport is advising passengers that all London Heathrow flights to and from Shannon Airport today have been cancelled. Intending passengers are advised to contact their airline. Aside from this, Shannon Airport is operating its normal flight schedule today.”
“So far, Shannon Airport has facilitated six diverted flights originally scheduled to land at Heathrow, including flights from Toronto, Atlanta, Bridgetown Barbados, Boston, Orlando and Newark. The first of these flights landed safely at 04:26am this morning,” said the spokesperson.
Diverted flights…
British Airways
BA-92 – Toronto-Heathrow
BA-212 – Boston-Heathrow
BA-254 – Bridgtown-Heathrow
United
UA-146 – Newark-Heathrow
Virgin Atlantic
VS-104 – Atlanta-Heathrow
VS-92 – Orlando-Heathrow
