A leading travel agent has slammed Heathrow as a nearby power outage forced the total closure of the airport today (Friday).
Richard Slater, of Henbury Travel, also questioned the government’s backing of a third runway at the London hub.
The managing director of the Macclesfield-based agency said: “As someone who has worked in the travel industry for decades, I find it astonishing that a major airport like Heathrow has placed all its reliance on a single power substation.
“The disruption we’re seeing today is yet another example of why the government’s focus on expanding Heathrow with a third runway is completely misguided.
“Instead of funnelling more capacity into an already overstretched airport, we should be looking at better ways to utilise underused regional airports like Manchester, Birmingham, and Newcastle.”
He added: “Airlines that operate multiple daily flights from Heathrow should be encouraged – or even required – to spread operations more evenly across the UK. This would not only reduce congestion in London but also provide better access for travellers outside the capital.
“This outage is a major wake-up call for airlines like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. With thousands of passengers now forced to seek alternative routes, Heathrow’s dominance could be seriously challenged.
“Perhaps it’s time to ask a bigger question: Should British Airways, which has become effectively ‘London Airways,’ be restructured to operate more equitably across the UK? A more regionally balanced approach would strengthen the entire aviation network and reduce the pressure on Heathrow.
“For now, passengers will be the ones suffering the most from today’s chaos, but in the long run, this could be the catalyst for long-overdue change in UK aviation.”
Business Travel Association chief executive Clive Wratten said: “Today’s fire at London Heathrow is a devastating event and we send our best wishes to all those involved in the recovery efforts.
“This has, yet again, exposed the vital role air travel plays in our economy, and when Heathrow is down, the whole economy suffers.
“Over 20,000 people travelling for work today will be impacted. This will be the same for every day Heathrow is closed.
“Our members will be working around the clock to help those passengers and will play a significant part of aiding the recovery process.
“Travel Management Companies, who the BTA represents, help support airlines in these crisis moments, playing a vital role in getting the working public where they need to be.”
Meanwhile, the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association advised all travellers due to fly via Heathrow today to check with their airline or travel agent as soon as possible following the airport’s unexpected closure.
An SPAA spokesperson said: “Heathrow is a vital connection point for travellers from Scotland heading to destinations around the world. Today’s closure is causing severe disruption, and the situation is changing rapidly. Travellers with connecting flights – particularly those heading long haul – should not assume that their journey will go ahead as planned.”
They added: “When things go wrong, having a travel agent on your side can make all the difference.
“We’re hearing from SPAA members across Scotland who are working hard behind the scenes today to rebook clients, secure alternative routes, and ensure minimal disruption to travel plans. If you’ve booked through a professional agent, you’re not facing the stress alone.”
Murray Burnett, managing director of Aberdeen-based Munro’s Travel, said: “Our priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of our travellers, particularly those working in critical energy, renewables and marine operations.
“The situation at Heathrow is evolving, and we are working closely with clients, airlines and partners to reroute or rebook affected travellers and minimise disruption to essential crew movements.”