Emotions run high as power outage shuts London's Heathrow
A police helicopter was the only vehicle visible in the sky above Heathrow airport on Friday, as the regular drone of flights went silent after a fire at a power station shuttered Europe's busiest airport.
On the ground, dozens of confused, stranded passengers stood around with their suitcases outside airport hotels. Many who AFP spoke to complained about the cost of shifting their bookings and a lack of information from Heathrow or airlines.
For veteran athlete Kevin Dillon, 70, Heathrow's day-long closure meant he would miss the opening ceremony of the World Masters Athletics Championships in Florida.
The runner, sporting a Great Britain tracksuit, said he had come from Manchester to catch his flight so he could compete.
The authorities are facing questions over how the fire at the electricity substation left such a crucial piece of national infrastructure closed for the day.
"I'm just surprised they didn't have a backup system," Dillon said.
Jake Johnston, from Los Angeles, was set to travel back to the United States on Friday but his airline, Virgin Atlantic, has rebooked his flight for Monday.
The 24-year-old said he and his friends were lucky: they found hotels for around £150 a night ($194).
Since then, several passengers have complained of airport hotels jacking up prices. According to Johnston, when he checked again later, hotel prices had risen to around £600.
- 'Need to be there' -
Bolaji N'gowe was not so optimistic. He was on his way home to Canada after visiting his mother in Lagos, Nigeria, when his flight was diverted from Heathrow to Gatwick airport, south of London.
"I have been in Gatwick since 4:00 am (0400 GMT)," he told AFP at the UK's second-busiest airport, which accepted some flights bound for Heathrow, while others were diverted to Paris, Madrid, Frankfurt and other European cities.
"I'm trying to book another flight... I'm trying to call Air Canada, no one is answering the phone," said N'gowe, adding that the earliest flight he had found was for Sunday.
"Between the ticket and the hotel, I have to spend more that £1,500," he added.
Talia Fokaides was meant to leave London for Athens in the morning to be with her mother, who was due to undergo open-heart surgery.
When she heard Heathrow was closed, she rushed to Gatwick and found a flight to the Greek capital for midday.
"I don't care about the money, I just need to be on a flight and home by the end of the day," Fokaides told AFP, her voice shaking with emotion.
"We were given no info, we were left on our own. I don't understand how it's possible," she added. "I just need to be there."
Some 1,350 flights had been due to land or take off from Heathrow and its five terminals on Friday, according to the flight tracking website Flightradar24.
Heathrow is one of the world's busiest airports and usually handles around 230,000 passengers daily and 83 million every year.
- 'Powerless' -
Mohammed al-Laib, a Tunisian national who works in London, was supposed to go to Dubai to be reunited with his wife, whom he had not seen in months.
Heading to the information desk at Gatwick, he said he did not know if another flight would be available.
"I feel powerless," he said.
Meanwhile, 28-year-old Muhammad Khalil had been waiting at London's Paddington station since early morning looking for alternative flights to Pakistan.
He had so far been unsuccessful, with Heathrow the main airport in the UK for long-haul international flights.
Khalil had also hoped to be reunited with his wife after five months. He had been planning the trip for three months.
"I've spent so much money on tickets and everything. I had to take the day off from my job," Khalil told AFP.
"You can't imagine how stressful it is for me."
Callum Burton, 21, from Kent in southern England, was stranded at Newark airport near New York after visiting his girlfriend for his 21st birthday.
Burton told AFP via social media that his flight had boarded and was ready to depart before it was rescheduled for 15 hours later, then cancelled.
He was not expecting to leave until Sunday or Monday, and said that he was "very tired and disappointed".
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The 15 Travel Clothes You Need to Pack for Any Hot, Humid Destination This Summer—From $21
As a lifelong overpacker, I never thought I'd see the day I'd travel carry-on-only for a two-week journey through Southeast Asia. From five-star stays at the Ritz in Hong Kong to jungle huts in rural Thailand, with stops in Cambodia's temple-strewn countryside and Vietnam's bustling markets in between, my single carry-on luggage truly went the distance. To make this possible, I relied on my best packing strategies for hot, humid destinations, which included linen outfits, quick-dry pieces, and lightweight clothes that were comfortable and versatile. I opted for brands and items that I know travel well in these warm climates; Quince's European linen pieces easily transition from breakfast to the beach, Athleta's tennis dress took me from train to boat ride, and Patagonia's quick-dry layers handled sweaty days and spontaneous hikes. I even squeezed in a lightweight Everlane dress that earned compliments everywhere I wore it. Ahead, check out the 15 clothes and accessories that will make traveling to any warm-weather destination more comfortable, whether partying in Phuket or dining in Capri. One standout that I wear weekly in the summertime is Athleta's Momentum Dress. Designed for the tennis court but perfectly chic for market meanders, it worked hard across five countries—doubling as a breezy outfit for hot sightseeing days, a quick-dry cover-up for beach or pool swims, and a low-effort dinner look with a change of shoes and some jewelry. The built-in shorts were ideal for temple visits, while the UPF 50+ fabric withstood Southeast Asia's relentless sun. It comes in black and white (I have both), packs down small, and doesn't wrinkle (which is a win all in itself). Nothing got more wear on my trip than the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt. I wore it on the flight, to the gym, on train rides, around cities, and even on bike rides through Myanmar's countryside. Its quick-dry, moisture-wicking fabric and UPF 50+ protection kept me comfortable in the sun and during long, hot days of travel. It held up through multiple wears without losing shape and was easy to wash and dry on the road. I love the lilac color, but it also comes in more neutral tones, such as beige and gray. Although these Lululemon Dance Studio Relaxed-fit Cargo Pants made me feel like an extra in Save the Last Dance , they were probably my second most-worn item on the entire trip. I love the comfortable, relaxed fit and adjustable hems, which make it easy to stay cool while being adaptable enough for unexpected weather changes or dressier occasions. Additionally, the cargo pockets are ideal for storing my phone and room key, so I don't have to carry extra bags everywhere. I have them in black for versatility, but they also come in a bunch of other colors, too, including tan, blue, and pink. I tell everyone who will listen that Quince's European Linen is some of the best in the business. Priced at under $40, this linen button-down feels like a luxury piece without the steep price tag, and with multiple colors available, it's easy to mix and match with everything else I pack. The linen helps keep me cool thanks to its natural heat-regulating properties, so I'm comfortable whether I'm wearing the white top as a swimsuit cover-up or the oatmeal/black stripe shirt with a pair of shorts. Super flattering with a relaxed, unfussy fit, this Athleta matching set is the ultimate travel companion, even during the summer. It's ideal for long flights, sweaty layovers, and destinations where temps hover near triple digits, thanks to the lightweight, breathable linen blend. Plus, it doesn't wrinkle, even after three-hour flight delays. Worn together, this quarter zip and matching pants are an easy outfit. Split up, the pieces pair beautifully with swimsuits, tanks, and tees. It's the kind of two-piece set that looks effortlessly cool and feels ultra-comfortable, which makes it a travel essential in every sense of the word. I have a dress-buying problem; multiple pieces are still hanging in my closet, years later, with their tags on. The Everlane Gauze Smock Dress is not one of those, and is one I wear the most out of my entire collection. The soft, airy texture makes it perfect to wear traipsing through Asian markets and bustling cities. The shirred bodice and relaxed silhouette offer an easy, flattering fit. What I appreciated most was its flexibility and packability; on my trip, it shifted from casual daytime looks with sneakers to more polished evening outfits with sandals. One of my friends, who's a gynecologist, advised that the most important thing to wear when traveling is breathable underwear, like this bamboo underwear that's also incredibly soft and buttery. The moisture-wicking fabric keeps me feeling fresh through long flights and days out exploring in a hot, humid city, while the smooth, stretchy material moves with me without any irritation. I love that they're lightweight and quick-drying, so I can easily wash and dry them overnight, perfect when all you have is a carry-on. You can't beat the price either, at just under $30 for four pairs. I'm a Cupshe stan, and it's not hard to see why. Although I own multiple suits, this ruffled one-piece is my favorite—and a favorite for others, too. With an average 4.6-star rating from over 33,000 customers, this Cupshe swimsuit is praised for its attractive rouching and low neckline, plus the many patterns and colors available. It transitions effortlessly from poolside lounging to hillside bike rides, or pairs well with shorts for a casual daytime look. I recommended traveling with a versatile swimsuit like this to hot, humid destinations because it'll dry fast and keep you cool, even when not used at the pool or beach. I have the ditzy floral pattern and have received countless compliments on it, but the black and cyan are currently sitting in my cart. $128 at Amazon $128 at I'm not one to spend over $100 on leggings, but these Sweaty Betty Super Soft Leggings were definitely worth the price tag. I wore them on my long flight to Cambodia and even kept them on once I arrived. The sweat-wicking fabric stayed comfortable and breathable throughout hours of travel and walking, while the high-rise fit offered enough support without feeling restrictive. The lightweight material also didn't sour or stink with sweat, so I was able to wear them multiple days in a row without a wash. Their sleek, simple design made them easy to pair with everything from tank tops to lightweight blouses, striking the right balance between practicality and style. I could live in these Aerie Offline Biker Shorts—and I basically did while backpacking through Asia. The lightweight, stretchy fabric makes them perfect for layering, and the flattering crossover waistband is so comfortable. These Aerie shorts are breathable enough for sticky, humid weather but polished enough to wear beyond workouts or on flights. I pair them with oversized T-shirts and sneakers for a cute, Gen-Z-inspired look, but they're also perfect for wearing under dresses to prevent chafing. $150 at Amazon $148 at Nordstrom Ask anyone: I will never travel anywhere without a pair of white sneakers. And these Veja Esplar Sneakers quickly became my go-to travel shoes thanks to their classic colors and clean, timeless style. They pair effortlessly with everything in my wardrobe, from jeans to leggings, sweatsuits, and dresses. The leather felt a bit stiff at first, but it softened nicely after a few wears, making these Beja shoes comfortable enough even for long days of walking in hot locales. While some mention the soles wear down over time, I've found them durable enough for multiple trips, and still weave into my travel rotation to this day. I was hesitant to splurge on the Bombas Compression Socks for a long time. Almost $100 for three pairs of socks? However, my mind was forever changed after a very uncomfortable swelling incident on an eight-hour flight. The arch support and tight compression provided a snug yet breathable fit that promoted circulation and helped reduce leg and foot pain. These are great to have on hand in hot destinations to help reduce swelling after a long day of walking in the heat, too. Beyond performance, I was also really taken by Bombas' commitment to giving back: they donate a pair to someone in need for every pair purchased. Now, I can't fly without them, even on quick two-hour hops from Chicago to Atlanta. Made from water-resistant, recycled nylon, this crossbody bag held up on rainy hikes in the jungle and city days in humid, wet conditions. With two zip compartments and a back slip pocket, it fits essentials like my camera, phone, wallet, plus crucial SPF products like sunscreen that I always keep on me when visiting hot destinations. I love the bag's adjustable strap for comfort and the subtle leather details that elevate its look for going from day to night. Maybe it's because I'm almost 40, but I never travel without a sweater, even if I'm headed somewhere hot. This Lululemon oversized cotton crochet pullover is one of my all-time favorites. It has an open-knit design that makes it versatile enough to layer on cold flights or use as a top layer that won't be too stuffy when the sun goes down. The relaxed fit and hip-length cut make it easy to pair with shorts and skirts. Although the price is a little higher, it's a piece that'll last you through multiple flights and countries, thanks to the quality. A durable pair of sandals is essential for any hot and humid destination, and these Sézane Judith Low Sandals combine comfort and style, making them the perfect summer travel shoe. Made from vegetable-tanned leather in Portugal, these sandals have a minimalist design and neutral tones that will go with everything from linen dresses to tailored trousers. The ankle strap with brass buckle keeps them secure, and the modest heel adds subtle lift without sacrificing comfort. They're easy to pack and versatile enough for city strolls or casual dinners. At $220, they're an investment, but with free returns, trying them risk-free is simple. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Yahoo
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"Standing seats in planes: A new reality of budget airlines beginning 2026," reads a Malay-language Facebook post on May 18, 2025. It describes the seats as "a cross between bicycle seats and a standing position" and claims they are being introduced to reduce cost and increase capacity. The post features three images of the vertical, saddle-like seats designed to allow passengers to sit in a semi-upright position. The false claims spread after British tabloid Daily Mail published an article titled "Is this the future of travel? Low cost airlines could launch standing only seats as early as next year" on May 21, 2025 (archived link). The report claims that the SkyRider standing chairs, made by aircraft seat manufacturer Aviointeriors, can increase passenger capacity by 20 percent. Similar posts were shared elsewhere on Facebook. But Aviointeriors clarified in an Instagram post on May 23 that the "standing seats" were merely prototypes dating back to 2012 (archived link). "Designed as a bold response to one of the aviation industry's most pressing challenges, while maximizing space and ergonomics it was never meant to be taken at face value," the company said. A check on Aviointeriors' website also shows the SkyRider standing seats are not part of the company's catalogue (archived link). When contacted by AFP, the EASA confirmed that it had not received applications to certify standing seats in commercial aircraft. "Such seats would pose significant technical challenges, particularly in terms of emergency evacuation," it told AFP, adding that the design of a plane's fuselage does not allow for passengers to stand near windows. "Any airline wishing to introduce this type of seat will face significant challenges, both in terms of aircraft reconfiguration and in demonstrating compliance with strict safety and evacuation requirements." Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair also told AFP that the airline was not considering introducing the seats. However, its head Michael O'Leary said in 2009 that he would not have any problem introducing standing seats on planes, but pointed out that such a move will likely be rejected by the European Union for safety reasons.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Posts falsely claim low-cost carriers to introduce standing seats in 2026
"Standing seats in planes: A new reality of budget airlines beginning 2026," reads a Malay-language Facebook post on May 18, 2025. It describes the seats as "a cross between bicycle seats and a standing position" and claims they are being introduced to reduce cost and increase capacity. The post features three images of the vertical, saddle-like seats designed to allow passengers to sit in a semi-upright position. The false claims spread after British tabloid Daily Mail published an article titled "Is this the future of travel? Low cost airlines could launch standing only seats as early as next year" on May 21, 2025 (archived link). The report claims that the SkyRider standing chairs, made by aircraft seat manufacturer Aviointeriors, can increase passenger capacity by 20 percent. Similar posts were shared elsewhere on Facebook. But Aviointeriors clarified in an Instagram post on May 23 that the "standing seats" were merely prototypes dating back to 2012 (archived link). "Designed as a bold response to one of the aviation industry's most pressing challenges, while maximizing space and ergonomics it was never meant to be taken at face value," the company said. A check on Aviointeriors' website also shows the SkyRider standing seats are not part of the company's catalogue (archived link). When contacted by AFP, the EASA confirmed that it had not received applications to certify standing seats in commercial aircraft. "Such seats would pose significant technical challenges, particularly in terms of emergency evacuation," it told AFP, adding that the design of a plane's fuselage does not allow for passengers to stand near windows. "Any airline wishing to introduce this type of seat will face significant challenges, both in terms of aircraft reconfiguration and in demonstrating compliance with strict safety and evacuation requirements." Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair also told AFP that the airline was not considering introducing the seats. However, its head Michael O'Leary said in 2009 that he would not have any problem introducing standing seats on planes, but pointed out that such a move will likely be rejected by the European Union for safety reasons.
