A major power outage at London’s Heathrow Airport on Friday caused massive flight cancellations and diversions, stranding tens of thousands of passengers across Europe and beyond. The disruption, triggered by a fire at a nearby electrical substation, forced the airport to shut down entirely, with authorities warning that the fallout could continue for days.

Flights from around the world, including the U.S., Asia, and Australia, were redirected to alternate airports or canceled altogether, leaving many travelers stuck far from their destinations. Passengers described chaotic scenes at nearby airports like Gatwick, where long lines, confusion, and frustration were widespread. Some travelers, unable to rebook flights or afford nearby accommodations, were forced to sleep in terminals.

The shutdown impacted over 290,000 passengers, with hundreds of flights either grounded or rerouted. Major carriers, including British Airways, American Airlines, and Delta, scrambled to accommodate affected travelers, while many passengers voiced their frustrations on social media, highlighting ruined plans and unexpected expenses.