UK aviation body to review resilience rules after Heathrow closure

After the disastrous closure of Heathrow Airport on Friday March 21, 2025, after a power outage, the UK aviation body said it will “carefully consider the rules of resilience” on March 27, 2025. 

The airport halted all operations following a fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport. Over 1,000 flights were impacted, with some flights able to resume in the evening. The chief executive of UK electricity supplier the National Grid later confirmed that the airport had had sufficient power during the closure, emphasising that the energy network had been capable of fully supplying its electricity needs.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said it remains in “close contact” with Heathrow related to the incident. 

"The regulator will support the National System Energy Operator’s review and will take into account its outcomes, alongside the results of Heathrow’s own investigation, in considering whether it should take further steps under Heathrow’s licence," said the CAA. 

Representative for over 90 airlines Heathrow Airline Operators' Committee CEO Nigel Wicking told Sky News there may be a case for legal action if a settlement over the costs related to the incident isn't reached. 

Separately, the CAA said it will review Heathrow Airport's financial model after stakeholders had voiced concerns surrounding the financing of a third runway. The CAA will jointly review the issues alongside the Department of Transport. 

The H8 review will establish a price control framework from 2027 to 2031. 

“This review will look at options to ensure the regulatory model provides strong incentives for the efficient delivery of the substantial costs involved in expansion and how to best protect the interests of consumers,” the CAA said. 

“Whilst the CAA’s announcement of a regulatory review for Heathrow expansion is a step forward, it doesn’t go far enough,” said Heathrow Reimagined campaign spokesperson. "Heathrow is the most expensive airport in the world and continues to fail passengers and airlines. We are concerned that the priority of the CAA has been to launch the ‘business as usual’ review of passenger charges for the next five year period. The current flawed regime will lead to higher passenger charges which is why we urge the CAA to go even further and commit to an urgent and fundamental review of regulation at Heathrow.”

The third runway — if approved — will be privately funded.