In somewhat good news, Heathrow Airport is preparing to recommence accepting flights to and from the airport.
According to the airport
Following an earlier power outage, Heathrow is now safely able to restart flights.
To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will running a reduced operation prioritising repatriation and relocation of aircraft.
Passengers should contact their airline for further information. We apologise for the inconvenience.
They add
Our teams have worked tirelessly since the incident to ensure a speedy recovery. We’re now safely able to restart flights, prioritising repatriation and relocation of aircraft. Please do not travel to the airport unless your airline has advised you to do so.
We hope to run a full operation tomorrow and will provide further information shortly. Our priority remains the safety of our passengers and those working at the airport. We apologise for the inconvenience caused by this incident.
According to the NOTAM, Traffic will need to be approved for arrival into Terminals 3 and 5 for repatriation flights.
British Airways
British Airways has confirmed its first set of services – with eight given the green light to depart from 19:00 onwards.
The only customers who should make their way to Heathrow Airport are those booked onto the following flights:
- BA055 to Johannesburg
- BA057 to Johannesburg
- BA011 to Singapore
- BA259 to Riyadh
- BA045 to Cape Town
- BA059 to Cape Town
- BA015 to Sydney via Singapore
- BA249 to Buenos Aires via Rio de Janeiro
Please note that all flights above will depart from London Heathrow Terminal 5.
The airline asks they keep checking the site of the carrier for the latest flight information.
The airline is offering passengers who are due to travel to or from Heathrow in the coming days (March 21 to March 23 inclusive) flexible options to rebook to a later date for free. Please visit Manage My Booking to see the options available.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic has cancelled all services today, with the airline expecting to operate a near full schedule on 22 March, with limited cancellations. However, the situation remains dynamic and we’ll keep all flights under continuous review.
If you are departing from London Heathrow on 22 March, please do not arrive at the airport more than three hours before your flight to help reduce congestion in the terminal.
If your flight has been affected, we’re offering flexible options to help you adjust your travel plans. You can choose to be rebooked onto the next available flight, reschedule your journey for a later date, or change your destination within our direct network.
If you no longer wish to travel, you may also request a refund. For full details on your options and how to make changes, please visit:
Flight disruption and schedule changes
Other airlines
Check with your carrier in the first instance. Unless they can confirm your flight is operating, there is a strong chance that flights are cancelled. Selections from my notes include:
Rescue Services
So far, Ryanair and Eurostar have announced rescue services. Check before you travel to see if they’re appropriate.
The situation is fluid
With Heathrow Airport getting ready to open up, there is no doubt going to be disruption for the next few days as airlines re-position aircraft, and the airport is tested to see how much power it draws, whilst the fire in Norty Hyde is put out.
If you are travelling, it is vital that you check before you travel that your flight is operating.
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