Diverted flights
Many aircraft have been diverted to Gatwick this morning.
Flights from Singapore, Johannesburg, Lagos, Cape Town and Doha were redirected.
A representative from London Gatwick airport mentioned that they were aware of the issue at Heathrow Airport and are assisting by accepting redirected flights when necessary. Flights at London Gatwick are running as scheduled today.
Terminal 2 ‘eerily quiet’ this morning
Heathrow Terminal 2, usually lively and well-lit, was plunged into darkness during the early hours of this morning due to a power failure.
The outside and inside of the building was only illuminated by emergency lighting.
According to some travelers interviewed by The Sun, airport personnel were the ones to inform them about flight cancellations, as airlines had not sent any notifications via text or email.
People were first told by officers that all buses, trains and taxis were not allowed in or out of the airport – and they would be given further instructions.
At around 5am, armed police arrived and told all passengers they had to leave the airport site and ferried them in minibuses to the outskirts of the airport.
Contact the airline, NOT the airport
Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel said: “Don’t attempt to travel to the airport, but instead keep in touch with your airline for their advice.
“If your flight is cancelled you won’t be entitled to compensation as these events will be considered an extraordinary circumstance, but you will be entitled to assistance from your airline, including overnight accommodation if needed.
“Passengers will have the choice of being rerouted or accepting a refund, and if you opt for the former your airline is obliged to get you on a new flight as soon as possible, including with rival carriers from alternative airports.
“If you instead accept a refund, be aware that your airline will have no further duty of care to you and you’ll need to make your own arrangements.
“It’s also worth checking the terms of your travel insurance to see if you are able to recoup any other expenses you may have incurred as a result of this incident, such as car hire or airport parking fees.”
Holidaymakers seek answers
Many travellers have flocked to X to bombard the airport with questions about their upcoming holidays.
“Can anyone help me,” one asked.
“I am flying on Monday. What are the chances of my flight taking off from Heathrow?”
A second queried: “I’m flying home from Heathrow next Wednesday.
“What does this mean for me?”
Holidaymakers seek answers
Many travellers have flocked to X to bombard the airport with questions about their upcoming holidays.
“Can anyone help me,” one asked.
“I am flying on Monday. What are the chances of my flight taking off from Heathrow?”
A second queried: “I’m flying home from Heathrow next Wednesday.
“What does this mean for me?”
