Virgin Atlantic Flight Returns to Antigua After Heathrow Airport Closure Due to Fire
A Virgin Atlantic flight headed to London was compelled to return to Antigua late last night following the unexpected closure of Heathrow Airport.
The plane, which was transporting 234 passengers and crew members, safely touched down at V.C. Bird International Airport around 4 a.m.
Heathrow is currently shut down due to an ongoing fire at a nearby electrical substation.
This incident has caused a significant power outage affecting Terminals 2 and 4, with more than 5,000 homes in the vicinity also impacted.
Airport authorities have confirmed that all operations will be suspended throughout Friday, leading to major disruptions and affecting over 1,350 flights.
Virgin Atlantic has declared the cancellation of all its flights to and from Heathrow until at least 5:30 p.m. EST on March 21 and is urging customers to avoid traveling to the airport. British Airways has issued a similar warning.
This story was first published by Antigua News on March 21, 2025: antigua.news/2025/03/21/virgin-atlantic-flight-returns-to-antigua-after-heathrow-airport-closure-due-to-fire. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
About the author
The Editorial Staff refers to all reporters employed by Antigua.news. When an article is not an original creation of Antigua.news—such as when it is based on a press release, other media articles, letters to the editor, or court decisions—one of our staff members is responsible for overseeing its publication.
Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.
More from Antigua and Barbuda
View section
VIDEO: Masked Man Targets M&M Gas Station in Late-Night Robbery
Surveillance footage from two angles captures a masked man confronting an employee behind the counter at M&M Gas Station on Old Parham Road.
By Cory Wayland
Antigua and Barbuda Joins Pacific Climate Talks Ahead of COP31
Minister Michael Joseph and Ambassador Ruleta Camacho-Thomas represent the country at meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu focused on island states’ climate priorities.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
ABRSC HONOURS AMBASSADOR Dorbrene O’MARDE FOR DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP IN REPARATORY JUSTICE
Ambassador O’Marde was surprised with an Honour Award during the Commission’s Africa-CARICOM Gala Dinner
By Shermain Bique-Charles
New Barbuda Port Expected to Support Direct Cargo Shipments
Proposed port would accommodate direct container shipments and a public marina, with Browne urging Barbudans to prepare for new commercial opportunities.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Comments (3)
9x19Rugrat March 21, 2025, 11:14 AM
Juju Bee March 21, 2025, 11:56 AM
Unruly March 21, 2025, 12:17 PM