Heathrow Fire Sparks Energy Resilience Debate

A fire at Heathrow Airport knocked out a substation, causing chaos with over 1,300 flights canceled. The incident sparked debate over energy system resilience. Britain's government has launched an investigation to learn lessons on safeguarding infrastructure. Utility companies and airport executives are in a blame game, while ensuring future stability.

Heathrow Airport authorities have defended their handling of a fire incident that led to the shutdown of Europe's busiest air hub for nearly a day. Over 1,300 flights were canceled on Friday after a blaze incapacitated one of Heathrow's three electrical substations, affecting more than 200,000 passengers.

The airport resumed operations after 18 hours by rerouting its power supply. Despite the disruption, Heathrow managed a full schedule over the weekend, with 400,000 passengers on 2,500 flights. The incident has heightened worries about Britain's energy system's resilience to unforeseen events, prompting a government probe into the matter.

Initially investigated by counterterrorism police due to concerns over sabotage amid Russia-related tensions, the fire investigation is now with the London Fire Brigade, focusing on the substation's equipment. Meanwhile, disagreements between utility firms and airport officials are ongoing, while questions linger over the decision-making during the crisis.

(With inputs from agencies.)