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After Europe's Largest Airport Closed Due to Fire: IATA Blames - "Heathrow's Closure Indicates Serious Planning Failure"

This is what IATA CEO, Willie Walsh, says following this morning's fire that caused the complete closure of the airport and distress for thousands of passengers. He adds: "This is yet another example of Heathrow disappointing both passengers and airlines, raising serious questions"

Photo: Shutterstock Photo: Shutterstock

After this morning's closure of Europe's largest airport, Heathrow in London, due to a fire likely caused by an electrical fault, the CEO of IATA, the International Air Transport Association, responds sharply.

Willie Walsh, CEO of IATA: "Today's closure of Heathrow Airport is causing significant distress for passengers. We appreciate the patience of those affected, while airlines focus on getting them to their destinations as quickly and efficiently as possible.

This is yet another example of Heathrow disappointing both passengers and airlines. It raises serious questions. First, how is it possible that this critical infrastructure—of national and global importance—depends on a single power source without backup? If that’s the case—as it appears—it’s a clear planning failure on the part of the airport. From here, the question arises of who is responsible for the costs of handling affected passengers. 

We must find a fairer allocation of passenger handling costs, rather than having airlines bear them alone when infrastructure fails," said Willie Walsh, CEO of IATA.

It’s important to note that the airport will not operate both outgoing and incoming flights until midnight tonight (21.3.25). According to the airport's official announcement, the closure was decided due to what has been defined as "a fire at the electrical substation supplying power to the airport".

Additionally, airlines are operating rescue flights and responding to the closure of Europe's largest airport for a day due to fire: "We apologize for the disruptions, assisting passengers".

tags: IATAHeathrowAirport Closure
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