Heathrow Airport closure to cause significant air freight disruption, while shipping lines once again implement blank sailings to manage sea freight capacity.
Heathrow Airport Closure to Disrupt Air Freight
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) will be closed all day Friday after a fire at a nearby electrical substation that supplies it with power. The fire has caused a widespread power outage, affecting both the airport and nearby homes and businesses. More than 1,300 flights have already been cancelled, and further knock-on effects are anticipated as airlines adjust schedules. The impact will extend beyond Heathrow, potentially disrupting flights and cargo routes much further afield. With freight unable to arrive at LHR or being diverted from its original final destination, significant disruption to flights and cargo movements is expected in the coming days.
Customers with cargo scheduled to pass through Heathrow may experience delays of 3-4 days. We are monitoring the situation closely and will be in touch directly with those affected, providing updates as soon as we have more clarity on the extent of the disruption.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your air freight shipment, please contact our Air Freight office at 01753 278020 or email [email protected]
Sea Freight Services Face Additional Blank Sailings
While demand is following typical seasonal trends, carriers have announced further blank sailings on Asia to Europe routes to manage available capacity and balance supply with demand. As a result, we are seeing last-minute schedule changes that could impact planned shipments.
At the same time, the new alliance schedules are now in place, and while departures are currently running as planned, the big question is whether arrival times will stay on track. As March draws to a close, we will continue to monitor service reliability and keep customers informed of any significant changes.
Red Sea Hostilities Cast Doubt on Suez Reopening
Hopes for a return to Suez Canal transits were dealt a blow this week as hostilities in the Red Sea escalated once again. In the last week, US forces and Yemen’s Houthi rebels exchanged missile strikes, further destabilising the region and casting doubt on the timeline for reopening the key shipping route.
Despite no direct attacks on commercial vessels this year, the conflict raises concerns over security and the likelihood of a resolution. The US military is expected to continue its campaign against Houthi targets, prolonging uncertainty for global shipping. As such, alternative shipping routes are likely to remain in place for the foreseeable future.
