LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE
Heathrow Chief Executive to Face MPs After Airport Shutdown
Transport Select Committee to question Thomas Woldbye regarding significant flight disruptions from power outage
26 March 2025 · 22:52 UTC
The closure occurred after a fire at a nearby electricity substation late on Thursday night, which resulted in the disruption of services for over 200,000 passengers.
The Committee's inquiry will focus on several critical issues surrounding the incident, including the rationale for the airport's closure, the timeline for potential reopening, and the efficacy of backup power systems.
Reports have emerged questioning Woldbye's decision to return to bed shortly after the power outage began, prompting further scrutiny.
In addition to Woldbye's testimony, other witnesses will be invited to provide evidence, though details of these individuals have yet to be confirmed.
John Pettigrew, chief executive of National Grid, stated that there was sufficient power available from two alternative substations, which were 'always available'.
He indicated that the airport had not utilized these backup options, contributing to the extent of the disruption.
Heathrow officials characterized the incident as 'unprecedented,' asserting that it would have been impossible to maintain normal operations under the circumstances.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has mandated an investigation by the National Energy System Operator to ascertain the causes of the incident, with a requirement for initial findings to be reported within six weeks.
Furthermore, an internal review of Heathrow's crisis management protocols and response will be conducted by Ruth Kelly, a former transport secretary and current independent board member of Heathrow.
The Metropolitan Police have reported that the cause of the fire is not considered suspicious, suggesting that it was likely an operational or technical issue rather than a deliberate act.