SINGAPORE: A significant fire at an electrical substation in west London has triggered chaos for several Singapore Airlines (SIA) flights to and from Heathrow Airport. With the historic airport now closed for business, passengers are left grappling with disrupted travel plans and uncertainty about their journeys.
Fire Causes Major Disruptions
The blaze, which prompted a mass power outage affecting the airport’s operations, has led to the cancellation and diversion of numerous flights. In total, eight SIA flights were impacted, including SQ308, which had to return to Changi Airport shortly after takeoff.
- Flight SQ306 was diverted to Charles de Gaulle Airport.
- Flight SQ322 diverted to Frankfurt Airport.
- Four flights from Heathrow to Singapore, namely SQ305, SQ317, SQ319, and SQ321, were cancelled.
Passenger Reactions and Support
Many passengers have expressed their frustrations, especially those on the diverted SQ308. Sylvester Fedor and Emily Seow, two Singaporeans, decided to cancel their 12-day European trip entirely due to the complications caused by the disruption. “It’s quite insulting for us, we were told to expect an email in 24 hours,” Fedor noted, feeling overwhelmed by the hassle of rebooking their itinerary.
Another passenger, Jacinta Yong, had planned a holiday to visit her daughter and grandchildren but now finds herself scrambling for alternative arrangements. Passengers flying with SIA, including foreign travellers, praised the airline for its handling of the crisis, particularly the accommodations provided for those in need.
Looking Ahead
According to information from Flightradar24, this incident has affected over a thousand flights, with significant disruptions expected in the coming days. The London Fire Brigade reported around 70 firefighters were active at the site, seeking to bring the fire under control.
As Heathrow Airport remains closed, SIA has committed to offering necessary support. Passengers are advised to check the airline’s website for updates on their flights. In stressful situations like this, the safety of customers is paramount, and SIA aims to assist all affected by the delays.