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In March 2025, Heathrow Airport faced a major disruption when a fire broke out at the North Hyde electrical substation, taking out power to the airport and halting over 1,300 flights. While authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the fire, it’s clear that aging transformer equipment played a pivotal role in this incident.
In 2019, there was a similar transformer fire at Heathrow Airport’s power substation. However, the cause of that fire was attributed to a transformer failure due to a short circuit rather than direct aging. This fire led to significant disruption, but unlike the 2025 incident, the 2019 fire did not involve such extensive damage or cause a total power outage at the airport.
Both incidents highlight how critical transformer maintenance and upgrades are to prevent equipment failure in vital infrastructure. While the exact details of the cause for the 2025 incident aren’t fully confirmed yet, aging infrastructure is likely a contributing factor based on the age of the equipment and the nature of transformer failures over time.
For Bayou Transformers, a company committed to providing high-quality transformer refurbishment solutions, this event serves as an important reminder of the critical role transformers play in maintaining the infrastructure we rely on every day. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what happened at Heathrow and how it highlights the need for ongoing transformer maintenance and upgrading to meet modern energy demands.
The fire at the North Hyde substation, which occurred on March 20, 2025, was a serious blow to one of the world’s busiest airports. The substation housed transformers that are responsible for stepping down electrical voltage, allowing electricity to flow efficiently through the airport’s systems. Unfortunately, the fire destroyed the transformers and the associated cooling oil, which is highly flammable and exacerbated the fire’s severity.
Although the cause of the fire is still under investigation, experts believe that the aging infrastructure contributed significantly to the incident. The substation’s transformers were over 30 years old, and over time, electrical components and insulation naturally degrade. With heightened demand for reliable power in critical infrastructure, these older units become vulnerable to failure, as was seen in this case.
Transformers like the ones used at Heathrow play a vital role in the power grid by regulating voltage levels to ensure stable electricity delivery. However, as transformers age, they can become more susceptible to breakdowns. Over time, the materials inside the transformers, including insulation, wiring, and cooling systems, can degrade. Without regular maintenance, these aging components can lead to overheating, short circuits, or, as seen in this case, fires.
For businesses that rely on critical power infrastructure, this is a major concern. A transformer failure can lead to significant downtime, operational disruption, and potentially dangerous conditions. The Heathrow incident highlights the growing need to not only update and replace aging transformers but also ensure regular maintenance to catch potential failures before they escalate.
At Bayou Transformers, we understand the importance of reliable transformer systems. That’s why we specialize in the refurbishment of transformers, ensuring they meet the latest standards and operate safely for years to come. Our team works with commercial and industrial clients to refurbish aging transformers, extending their lifespan and improving their efficiency.
By offering tailored solutions, we help businesses avoid costly outages and disruptions while ensuring their systems remain up to date with the latest technological advancements. Whether you’re dealing with aging equipment or looking to upgrade your existing transformers, Bayou Transformers provides expert services that safeguard your operations and minimize risk.