THE
HEAR
This page is an archive of main headlines from the UK for 21.03.2025.
It displays 159 headlines from many sources chronologically, as they appeared throughout the day, accompanied by AI overviews that were written in real time.
21.03.2025 โข Day Heathrow Paralyzed By Fire As Terror Suspicions Rose
โจA fire at an electrical substation near Heathrow Airport caused an unprecedented shutdown, with coverage intensifying throughout the early morning. The airport closed for the entire day, affecting approximately 1,300 flights and 200,000 passengers, with travelers diverted across Europe or forced to turn back.
By midday, counter-terrorism police had taken over the investigation, with several outlets reporting potential Russian sabotage theories. The Daily Mail controversially compared the disruption to "a contained version of 9/11."
In the afternoon, Heathrow's CEO apologized but denied responsibility, admitting backup generators were insufficient to power the entire airport. By evening, operations partially resumed with some flights, though British Airways warned disruptions would continue for days.
This crisis overshadowed ongoing Ukraine developments, where NATO nations continued preparations for potential Russian threats and Zelensky maintained opposition to Trump's nuclear plant proposal from previous days.
By midday, counter-terrorism police had taken over the investigation, with several outlets reporting potential Russian sabotage theories. The Daily Mail controversially compared the disruption to "a contained version of 9/11."
In the afternoon, Heathrow's CEO apologized but denied responsibility, admitting backup generators were insufficient to power the entire airport. By evening, operations partially resumed with some flights, though British Airways warned disruptions would continue for days.
This crisis overshadowed ongoing Ukraine developments, where NATO nations continued preparations for potential Russian threats and Zelensky maintained opposition to Trump's nuclear plant proposal from previous days.
21.03.2025
02:03
02:18
The countries on Nato's eastern flank are preparing for the possibility of being targeted by Russia
02:18
02:33
02:36โขNATO Nations Building Putin-Proof Defenses
โจThe newspapers report on rising tensions along NATO's eastern borders as countries prepare for potential Russian threats (BBC). In Ukraine, President Zelensky has opposed Trump's proposal regarding Ukrainian nuclear power stations (Independent, Breitbart). A significant NHS staffing crisis has been revealed, with data showing one-third of England's hospitals missing at least 10% of planned nursing staff (Channel 4). Major breaking news includes a power outage closing Heathrow Airport (Sky) and a serious motorway accident (Metro). In crime news, David Norris has finally admitted involvement in the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence (Mirror).
02:56
03:12
Breaking | Live
03:12
03:20
The Guardian
Heathrow airport closed after fire at electrical substation in west London
03:20
03:28
03:36
Sky News
Breaking | Live
03:36
03:44
03:44
HORROR INFERNO | UK News
03:44
03:52
03:52
04:07
The Guardian
Heathrow airport closed as firefighters tackle large substation fire that sparked blackouts โ live
04:07
04:07
04:15
Military leaders met in London to discuss plans for troops to help guarantee Ukraine's security in any peace deal.
04:15
04:23
It comes in response to a "significant" outage linked to a fire at a nearby electrical substation.
04:23
04:55
04:55
05:03
The Guardian
Heathrow airport closed: more than 100 flights diverted after substation fire causes power outage - live
05:03
05:05โขHeathrow Airport Shuts Down After Substation Fire
โจThe newspapers report on a major disruption at Heathrow Airport, which has closed for at least 24 hours due to a "significant" power outage caused by a fire at a nearby electrical substation (BBC, Guardian, Independent, Daily Mail, Mirror, Sky, Sun). More than 100 flights have been diverted across Europe, with others cancelled or turned around mid-journey (Guardian, Daily Mail). Passengers are being strongly advised not to travel to the airport "under any circumstances" (Sky, Mirror). This crisis has affected thousands of travelers (Daily Mail). Meanwhile, the NHS nursing shortage (Channel 4) and Labour's spending cuts (HuffPost, Morning Star) remain in the news.
05:11
Sky News
Breaking | Live
05:11
05:19
05:19
Breaking | Live
05:19
05:28
BBC
Heathrow closed all day after nearby fire causes power outage
A fire at an electrical substation has caused a "significant power outage" and the closure is expected to last until midnight.
05:28
05:28
The Guardian
Heathrow airport closed: more than 1,000 flights affected after substation fire causes power outage - live
05:28
05:28
AIRPORT SHUT DOWN | UK News
05:28
06:07
06:31
06:31
06:31
Breaking | Live
06:31
06:39
Sky News
06:39
06:47
More than 1,300 flights to be cancelled from Europeโs busiest airport on Friday
06:47
07:03
The Guardian
Heathrow airport closed: more than 1,000 flights affected after substation fire causes power outage
07:03
07:11
07:11
The Spectator
07:11
07:11
Hundreds of flights have been cancelled with thousands of passengers affected, after a transformer within the North Hyde electrical substation caught fire
07:11
07:11
AIRPORT SHUT DOWN | UK News
07:11
07:13โขHeathrow Airport Paralyzed By Electrical Fire
โจThe newspapers report extensively on a major crisis at Heathrow Airport, which has closed for the entire day following a fire at the North Hyde electrical substation causing a significant power outage (BBC, Guardian, Independent, Daily Mail, Mirror, Metro, Sun, Times). The closure is expected to last until midnight, with approximately 1,300-1,350 flights affected (Daily Mail, Independent, Times). Airlines have diverted planes across Europe, cancelled flights, or turned aircraft around mid-journey (Daily Mail, Mirror). Passengers are being strongly advised not to travel to the airport (Mirror, Sun), with around 200,000 travelers impacted (Times). Amid the airport crisis, The Spectator continues coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
07:19
07:43
AIRPORT SHUT DOWN | UK News
07:43
07:51
BBC
Major disruption as Heathrow closed all day after nearby fire causes power outage
Flights are cancelled and diverted mid-air as Europe's busiest airport closes until midnight over a "significant power outage".
07:51
07:51
UK | Noora Mykkanen
07:51
07:51
Thousands of passengers affected after blaze at an electrical substation
07:51
07:59
08:07
UK | Jasper King
08:07
08:15
08:15
08:23
'UNPRECEDENTED'
08:23
08:31
The Guardian
Heathrow airport closed: more than 1,000 flights affected after substation fire causes power outage - live
08:31
08:39
09:20
UK | Noora Mykkanen
09:20
09:36
Breitbart UK
Danish leader concedes U.VP โhad a point on migrationโ, but sticks to Euro-orthodoxy that Russia is greatest threat to the continent of all.
09:36
09:36
UK | Sam Corbishley
09:36
09:38โขHeathrow Paralyzed By Unprecedented Power Failure
โจThe newspapers report extensively on an unprecedented crisis at Heathrow Airport, which remains closed until midnight following a fire at an electrical substation causing a major power outage (BBC, Guardian, Independent, Daily Mail, Mirror, Sun, Times, HuffPost). More than 1,000 flights have been affected, with passengers diverted across Europe or forced to turn around mid-air (Daily Mail, Independent, Guardian). The Daily Mail controversially describes it as "a contained version of 9/11." In other news, Denmark's left-wing PM has acknowledged JD Vance "has a point" on migration threats to Europe (Breitbart), while concerns about NATO's future under Trump continue (New Statesman).
09:45
BBC
Thousands disrupted and flights cancelled across UK as Heathrow closes after substation fire
Disruption is expected to last for days after Europe's busiest airport closes until midnight over a "significant power outage".
09:45
10:00
BBC
Heathrow closure leaves thousands stranded as UK and international flights cancelled after substation fire
Disruption is expected to last for days after Europe's busiest airport closes until midnight over a "significant power outage".
10:00
10:09
10:09
10:17
AIRPORT SHUT DOWN | UK News
10:17
10:26
BBC
Heathrow shutdown leaves thousands stranded as UK and international flights cancelled after substation fire
Disruption is expected to last for days after Europe's busiest airport closes until midnight over a "significant power outage".
10:26
10:34
BBC
Heathrow shutdown leaves thousands stranded as UK and international flights disrupted after substation fire
Disruption is expected to last for days after Europe's busiest airport closes until midnight over a "significant power outage".
10:34
10:34
Travel | Liam Coleman
10:34
10:42
BBC
Heathrow shutdown leaves thousands stranded as UK and international flights disrupted after power outage
Disruption is expected to last for days after Europe's busiest airport closes until midnight due to a fire at a nearby electricity substation.
10:42
10:42
These are the secret NHS files you werenโt supposed to see.
10:42
10:42
Thousands of passengers affected after blaze at an electrical substation
10:42
10:50
BBC
Heathrow shutdown leaves thousands stranded as power outage disrupts UK and international flights
Disruption is expected to last for days after Europe's busiest airport closes until midnight due to a fire at a nearby electricity substation.
10:50
10:50
The Jewish Chronicle
10:50
10:50
10:58
11:06
HEATHROW CHAOS | UK News
11:06
11:15
The Jewish Chronicle
11:15
11:23
The Spectator
11:23
11:24โขTerror Probe Launched Into Heathrow Blackout
โจThe newspapers report extensively on a major crisis at Heathrow Airport, which remains closed following a fire at an electrical substation (BBC, Guardian, Independent, Mirror, Sun, Times, HuffPost, Metro). In a significant development, counter-terrorism police are now investigating the incident, with some outlets suggesting possible Russian sabotage (Daily Mail, Spectator, Times, Sun). Approximately 1,350 flights have been disrupted, affecting around 200,000 passengers (Independent, Sun), with the chaos expected to last for days (BBC, Sun). Meanwhile, Channel 4 has revealed "secret NHS files" exposing England's nursing shortage, while The Jewish Chronicle reports on Hamas hostage testimony at the UN.
11:31
UK | Noora Mykkanen
11:31
11:31
The Spectator
11:31
11:39
The Guardian
Heathrow airport closed: counter-terrorism police deployed in โroutineโ investigation into substation fire - live
11:39
11:39
UK | Noora Mykkanen
11:39
11:47
The Guardian
Heathrow airport closed: counter-terrorism police deployed in โroutineโ investigation into substation fire
11:47
11:55
11:55
The Jewish Chronicle
11:55
11:55
11:55
12:03
BBC
Heathrow shutdown causes flight chaos and leaves thousands stranded
The fire which knocked out the airport's power is still burning, as counter-terrorism police investigate as a "precautionary measure".
12:03
12:12
UK | Noora Mykkanen
12:12
12:20
TERROR FEARS | UK News
12:20
12:46
TERROR FEARS | UK News
12:46
12:55
The Jewish Chronicle
12:55
12:55
TERROR FEARS | UK News
12:55
13:03
TERROR FEARS | UK News
13:03
13:12
UK | Noora Mykkanen
13:12
13:20
The Guardian
Heathrow airport closed: counter-terrorism police leading substation fire investigation
13:20
13:22โขTerror Police Probe Heathrow Fire Amid Russian Sabotage Claims
โจThe newspapers report extensively on the Heathrow Airport crisis, with the significant development that counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the electrical substation fire (BBC, Guardian, Independent, Metro, Mirror, Sky, Sun, Times). Several outlets explicitly mention potential Russian sabotage, with the Daily Mail noting the incident "fits the pattern of Putin's disruption attacks in Europe." The ongoing fire has caused complete airport shutdown, leaving thousands of passengers stranded (BBC, Mirror, Sun). The disruption could last for days according to government sources (Sun). Separately, the Jewish Chronicle reports on the Board of Deputies meeting with the BBC regarding Israel coverage reforms.
13:55
UK | Noora Mykkanen
13:55
14:11
FIRE OF WAR? | World News
14:11
14:44
15:01
Zelensky quick to rubbish Trumpโs suggestion to take tension over nuclear plant possession off the table by simply making them American.
15:01
15:09
The Guardian
Israel to โseize more groundโ and warns Hamas it will annex parts of Gaza
15:09
15:17
BBC
Thousands still stranded by Heathrow shutdown as government says 'questions to answer' over power outage
The fire which knocked out airport power is still burning, as counter-terrorism police investigate as a "precautionary measure".
15:17
15:17
Novara Media
Professor Avi Shlaim speaks to Sebastian Shehadi about his latest book, western complicity in the genocide in Gaza and how Israelโs own archives turned him into an anti-Zionist.
15:17
15:26
Thousands of passengers affected after blaze at an electrical substation
15:26
15:34
BBC
Thousands still stranded by Heathrow shutdown as government says 'questions to answer'
The fire which knocked out airport power is still burning, as counter-terrorism police investigate as a "precautionary measure".
15:34
15:34
15:42
15:50
16:07
Sky News
16:07
16:15
DESPERATE FOR HELP | UK News
16:15
16:23
BBC
Heathrow hopes to run full operation on Saturday as it starts moving aircraft after shutdown
The airport warns passengers not to travel to the airport unless told to do so by their airline.
16:23
16:23
Sky News
16:23
16:23
Thousands of passengers affected after blaze at an electrical substation
16:23
16:23
DESPERATE FOR HELP | UK News
16:23
16:25โขHeathrow Disruption Continues Despite Recovery Attempts
โจThe newspapers report extensively on the ongoing Heathrow Airport crisis, where operations remain severely disrupted following a substation fire. While Heathrow hopes to resume full operations Saturday (BBC, Times), British Airways warns disruptions will continue for days (Sun, Times). The cause appears to be a "very old" transformer failure (Daily Mail). In international news, Zelensky has rejected Trump's proposal for American control of Ukrainian nuclear plants (Breitbart), while Israel warns it will "seize more ground" in Gaza (Guardian). Domestically, Number 10 won't rule out sending ground troops to Ukraine (HuffPost), and comedian Katherine Ryan has been diagnosed with cancer again (Mirror).
16:31
BBC
Heathrow says it will resume some flights later today and hopes to run full operation tomorrow
The airport is prioritising those diverted to Europe and warns passengers not to travel to Heathrow unless told to do so.
16:31
16:32
16:32
Disruption expected to last for days, says BA chief executive
16:32
16:32
END IN SIGHT? | UK News
16:32
16:40
BBC
Heathrow to resume some flights and hopes to run full operation tomorrow
The airport is prioritising those diverted to Europe and warns passengers not to travel to Heathrow unless told to do so.
16:40
16:40
US | Jessica Kwong
16:40
16:40
END IN SIGHT? | UK News
16:40
17:36
18:09
BBC
Heathrow resumes some flights and hopes to run full operation tomorrow
The airport is prioritising those diverted to Europe and warns passengers not to travel to Heathrow unless told to do so.
18:09
18:09
18:09
18:09
'UNPRECEDENTED' | UK News
18:09
18:24
TOUCHDOWN | UK News
18:24
18:33
Morning Star
PAUL DONOVAN applauds a timely play that explores the resonances of McCarthyite nationalism in todayโs US
18:33
18:33
HEATHROW MELTDOWN | UK News
18:33
18:48
THE trade union conference season is now under way. Regional TUCs are assessing the challenges facing workers in their areas.
18:48
18:56
Disruption expected for days, says British Airways
18:56
19:04
Disruption expected for days, says British Airways
19:04
19:05โขHeathrow Resumes Limited Flights After Power Crisis
โจThe newspapers report extensively on the Heathrow Airport crisis, which is gradually moving toward recovery after yesterday's substation fire. Heathrow has resumed some flights and hopes to operate fully tomorrow (BBC, Times, Independent), though the airport continues prioritizing diverted passengers and warns others not to travel without confirmation (BBC, Times). Heathrow's CEO has apologized but denied responsibility, controversially admitting backup generators were never powerful enough to run the airport fully (Sun, Daily Mail). Meanwhile, Reform UK faces political challenges (HuffPost), Trump discusses potential conflict with China (Metro), and unions are urged to become more assertive (Morning Star).
19:19
MPs say ministers have 'heads in sand' on safety
19:19
19:20
First, darkness โ then fire filled the sky
19:20
19:43
19:52
19:52
19:52
20:07
Flights are finally resuming from Heathrow after a day of travel chaos thatโs been felt around the world.
20:07
21:04
21:20
BACK IN THE AIR | UK News
21:20
22:24
LOVE LOST | Celebrity
22:24
23:11
23:11
UK | Brooke Davies
23:11
23:18
23:20โขHeathrow Partially Reopens After Fire Chaos
โจThe newspapers report extensively on the Heathrow Airport crisis following a power outage caused by a fire. After a day of global travel chaos affecting around 300,000 travelers (Daily Mail, Mirror), Heathrow has resumed limited flights (BBC, Independent, Channel 4, Times) but warns disruption could continue for days (Mirror). Authorities indicate "no foul play" was involved (Sky), though questions emerge about possible human error (Daily Mail). In other news, a mother has been convicted of killing her newborn after concealing the crime for 25 years (Metro), and MPs criticize ministers for having "heads in sand" regarding cladding safety eight years after Grenfell (Morning Star).