Emirates and Etihad Airways have restored flights between the UAE and London Heathrow after a temporary suspension. A power outage caused by a fire at Heathrow disrupted travel, stranding thousands of passengers. However, with flights resuming, normal operations are gradually returning.
The fire at Heathrow’s Terminal 2 led to widespread delays and cancellations. Since emergency teams responded swiftly, they prevented injuries but failed to avoid chaos. Meanwhile, London police are investigating the cause of the fire, which originated at a power substation. As a result, the outage not only impacted the airport but also left tens of thousands of homes in darkness.
After the airport reopened, Emirates resumed flights on March 22. The first flight, EK07 from Dubai, marked the return of travel between the two destinations. Fortunately, travelers with existing bookings can now proceed, while affected passengers should contact Emirates for rebooking. In the meantime, the airline continues to assist passengers who faced cancellations.
Likewise, Etihad Airways resumed its Abu Dhabi-London flights on March 22. The airline advises travelers to check their flight status online and update contact details for timely notifications. Since an influx of passengers is expected, travelers should reach Heathrow early to avoid delays. Additionally, the airline has increased its customer support to assist affected passengers.
The airport faced a severe crisis as the outage lasted 16 hours, disrupting over 250,000 passengers. To manage the situation, Heathrow deployed extra staff and arranged additional flights. Furthermore, airlines are working closely with authorities to restore schedules and minimize further disruptions.
The suspension led to major financial losses, with over 1,300 canceled flights. Notably, key international routes, including Dubai, New York, and Frankfurt, suffered the most. Analysts estimate that the incident resulted in losses exceeding $26 million in just one day.
Despite the setback, Heathrow and the airlines are working swiftly to restore normalcy. Therefore, passengers are encouraged to stay updated and allow extra time for travel.
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