Heathrow Airport Closure Disrupts Flights: Emirates and Etihad Respond

Heathrow Airport Shutdown

On March 21, 2025, Heathrow Airport, one of the world’s busiest international airports, faced an unexpected shutdown due to a significant power outage. This disruption was caused by a fire at an electrical substation that supplies power to the airport. As a result, the airport announced its closure until midnight on the same day to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.

Impact on UAE Carriers

The closure of Heathrow Airport has led to the cancellation of numerous flights by UAE-based airlines, Emirates and Etihad. Emirates announced the cancellation of several flights between Dubai and Heathrow, including EK001/002, EK029/030, and EK031/032. Additionally, flights EK008, EK003/004, and EK005/006 from Heathrow to Dubai were also canceled. Emirates has advised passengers booked on these flights not to travel to the airport and assured them that they are closely monitoring the situation.

Similarly, Etihad Airways has canceled flights EY63, EY64, EY65, and EY66 between Abu Dhabi and Heathrow. However, Etihad’s EY61 service from Abu Dhabi to London has been diverted to Frankfurt Airport. The airline has communicated these changes to its passengers and is keeping a close watch on developments.

Advice for Passengers

Heathrow Airport has warned passengers to expect significant disruptions in the coming days and has advised them not to travel to the airport until it reopens. The London Fire Brigade has been actively working to control the fire in Hayes, West London, and has evacuated around 150 people as a precautionary measure.

Conclusion

As Heathrow Airport remains closed, passengers are urged to stay informed about the latest updates from their respective airlines. Both Emirates and Etihad are committed to keeping their customers updated as the situation evolves. The closure of Heathrow, the primary international airport serving London, highlights the importance of contingency planning in the aviation industry.