AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
The Global Story
How did one fire paralyse Europe's busiest airport?
Mar 25, 2025
Theo Leggett, the BBC’s international business correspondent, gives a gripping account of the chaos following a fire at Heathrow's power supply station. He discusses how this incident led to the cancellation of all flights, sparking widespread speculation and criticism of the airport’s contingency plans. The conversation unveils the vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and the tension between private interests and public needs. Leggett emphasizes the urgent need for better preparedness to prevent such disruptions in the future, highlighting the implications for air travel worldwide.
20:20
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The power outage at Heathrow Airport revealed critical vulnerabilities in major infrastructure, highlighting the need for improved contingency planning and resilience strategies.
- Speculation regarding potential foreign interference following the fire emphasized the impact of misinformation during crisis situations and the importance of clear communication from authorities.
Deep dives
Heathrow Airport's Unexpected Closure
A significant closure occurred at Heathrow Airport when all flights were canceled due to a power outage caused by a fire at a nearby electrical substation. The fire, which erupted late at night, led to widespread disruptions including the cancellation or diversion of over a thousand flights and left many passengers stranded. Heathrow, which typically handles around 1,300 flights daily, faced a major operational setback, with major international flights forced to land at alternate airports. This incident highlighted the airport's vulnerability to unforeseen events that can lead to substantial travel chaos.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode