London’s Heathrow Airport has closed down until midnight (UK) time after a fire disrupted travel for thousands of passengers.
An estimated 1,357 flights are affected at one of the world’s busiest airports, including inbound and outbound flights from Middle East carriers including Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways.
Passengers were told to stay away from Heathrow Airport and trains to the transport hub were suspended.
Heathrow Airport closed
Emirates said flights to and from the London hub were cancelled for Friday, March 21.
It said: “Due to the closure of London Heathrow Airport, the following flights to/from London have been cancelled
- EK001/002 21MAR DXB‑LHR‑DXB
- EK029/030 21MAR DXB‑LHR‑DXB
- EK031/032 21MAR DXB‑LHR‑DXB
- EK008 21MAR LHR‑DXB
- EK003/004 21MAR DXB‑LHR‑DXB
- EK005/006 21MAR DXB‑LHR‑DXB
“Passengers connecting onto the flights to London Heathrow will not be accepted for travel until further notice at the point of origin.
“We’re monitoring the situation closely and will update our customers as the situation develops.
“Emirates is offering customers affected by the flight cancellations the option to rebook to travel to other UK airports, or to travel on a later date. Passengers who have booked through travel agents should contact their agent for rebooking. Customers who have booked directly with Emirates can contact us for assistance.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused”.
UAE airline, Etihad, also announced the cancellation of flights.
It said: “Following the closure of London Heathrow Airport (LHR) caused by a severe power outage, Etihad has cancelled the following flights to and from London on Friday 21 March:
- EY63 Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow
- EY64 London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi
- EY65 Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow
- EY66 London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi
“Today’s EY61 service from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow has diverted to Frankfurt Airport (FRA). The EY62 service from London Heathrow (LHR) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) is delayed until further notice.
“Guests travelling to or from London today are urged to check the status of their flight on etihad.com.
“The safety of our guests and crew is our number one priority and we regret any inconvenience caused by this disruption”.
Qatar Airways also released a statement to confirm cancelled flights to and from Doha.
Qatar Airways said: “Due to the notification of London Heathrow Airport closure till midnight on March 21, 2025, the following Qatar Airways flights have been impacted:
- DOH-LHR: QR011, QR107, QR003, and QR007
- LHR-DOH: QR006, QR010, QR004, QR008, and QR006
“Qatar Airways is working closely with LHR airport officials. Passengers impacted due to above will be taken care of by our customer care and airport teams”.
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