Heathrow Airport is experiencing delays and travel chaos this morning after a car exploded and erupted into flames.
The car was seen engulfed in flames inside an airport tunnel, which connects Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
The M4 southbound between junctions 4 and 4a was closed because of the incident, triggering lengthy delays for those trying to fly.
Around 3am this morning, emergency services were called to the scene to fight the fire.
An electric car was seen engulfed in flames inside an airport tunnel, which connects Terminals 1, 2 and 3
HEATHROW AIRPORT
The car was completely destroyed, however no injuries were reported. Flights are still being delayed.
A spokesman for Heathrow Airport gave travellers an update, writing on X: “Due to an earlier vehicle fire, road access to Terminals 2 and 3 is partially restricted.
“Passengers are advised to leave more time travelling to the airport and use public transport where possible. We apologise for the disruption caused”.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “We were called just before 3am today to reports of car fire in a tunnel near Heathrow Airport.
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“Firefighters attended and discovered a car fully alight. The fire was safely extinguished by firefighters and no one was reported to be injured.
“The vehicle involved was diesel-powered. The airport has since confirmed the tunnel has reopened.”
There have been reports of people waiting sat on planes and travelers are experiencing long tailbacks on the roads in and around the airport.
Some bus companies were forced to delay routes, with Carousel Buses, High Wycombe’s local bus company, writing on X: “Due to fire Heathrow Airport tunnel is being closed. Our service 102 to Heathrow Central bus station will be terminating at Stockley Park road bus stop. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.”
Last month, chancellor Rachel Reeves backed Heathrow’s expansion plans
PA
Heathrow – which is Britain’s busiest airport and one of the busiest in world – revealed last month that their pre-tax profits for 2024 reached £917million, up from £701m in 2023.
However, the airport also saw a fall in revenues by 3.5 per cent to £3.56bn, and underlying earnings fell 8.7 per cent down to £2.04bn.
Heathrow claims this is due to lower airline charges imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority.
