When a fire broke out at an electrical substation near Heathrow on March 21st 2025, it triggered a major power outage, bringing operations at the UK’s busiest airport – and one of the world’s most critical aviation hubs – to a sudden standstill.
What followed was nothing short of global travel chaos. During the 18-hour closure, more than 1,350 flights were cancelled or delayed, affecting upwards of 200,000 passengers and setting off a ripple effect that impacted airports, airlines, and itineraries worldwide. For many, the disruption meant missed meetings, stalled deals, cancelled holidays, and hours lost to crowded terminals and uncertainty. But for Air Partner clients, the story was very different.
Your Plans, Protected: Air Partner’s Edge During Airport Closures
At Air Partner, we know that delivering an extraordinary aviation service goes far beyond providing access to aircraft. It’s about instilling absolute confidence in every journey. Achieving this takes not only operational reliability and flexibility, but the global reach, strategic expertise, and deep-rooted relationships needed to respond effectively. And that’s exactly what we pride ourselves on offering.
With a reputation for excellence and more than six decades of experience delivering private jet, group charter, and cargo solutions of the very highest standard, we bring more firsthand experience than any other provider. But it’s the strength of the relationships we’ve built – with everyone from world-class operators to industry-leading service partners and key airports – that sets us apart during moments of disruption. Our global network empowers us to secure preferential airport slots, source best-in-class aircraft, and negotiate the most favourable terms and contingencies on behalf of our clients, even during periods of high demand. Whether it’s a CEO racing to a boardroom, a family making memories, or a HNWI managing back-to-back obligations, we provide the peace of mind that their plans are protected – even in crisis.
So, when the news of the Heathrow Airport closure hit the headlines, our global team was already in action – repositioning aircraft, securing slots at alternate airports, and leveraging our operator and industry relationships to ensure our clients’ travel plans continued seamlessly.
Five Flights, Five Expert Solutions: Air Partner’s Heathrow Closure Response
Having access to an emergency private jet service and the ability to arrange charter flights during airport closures is often the difference between being grounded and staying on schedule. When the Heathrow Airport closure unfolded, our clients turned to us for fast, flexible, and expertly coordinated flights. From last-minute route changes to strategic use of alternate airport options, here are some examples of our private aviation solutions during the Heathrow Airport shutdown.
JetCard in Action
A JetCard by Air Partner member was set to fly from Spain to Heathrow when the outage struck. Rather than face a delay, we rerouted their itinerary, arranged an alternate Light Jet, and had them arrive into a nearby London airport – all covered under their existing JetCard flight hours. No stress. No delay. Just smooth, uninterrupted service.
Business Mission Delivered
A senior team from a world-class research and development company were scheduled to fly from Florida to London for an important business engagement. With Heathrow closed, their commercial flight was cancelled, but they couldn’t afford a delay. They turned to Air Partner, and we swiftly arranged an Ultra Long-Range aircraft, organised ground transportation from their Miami office to the airport, and facilitated a landing slot at an alternate London location.
Family Holiday, Uninterrupted
When a family found their long-anticipated Caribbean getaway in jeopardy, they came to us for a solution. We rapidly sourced a suitable high-calibre aircraft, secured a take-off slot at a local airport, and ensured their break started on time, in style, and with ultimate convenience.
A Smooth Return Home
Due to return from the Caribbean, a client faced the risk of being delayed for multiple days if left relying on commercial carriers. We stepped in and sourced a direct return on an Ultra Long-Range Aircraft from a nearby terminal, ensuring they avoided congested airports, logistical headaches, and frustrating delays altogether.
Contingency in Motion
Another of our JetCard members needed to travel from Ireland to London for critical meetings. With Heathrow closed, we activated pre-arranged contingencies and rerouted them into a nearby airport, keeping their plans on schedule.
Why Discerning Travellers Trust Air Partner
The Heathrow Airport closure served as a reminder that in aviation – as in life – things don’t always go according to plan. But rather than being a moment of chaos, for our clients it was a moment of confidence, continuity, and a reminder of why they fly with Air Partner. While others stood still, we stepped up, delivering seamless solutions, safeguarding schedules, and proving once again why Air Partner is the name discerning travellers trust when it matters most.
"When unexpected disruption strikes, experience, relationships, and global reach make all the difference. The Heathrow closure was a clear demonstration of Air Partner’s unique ability to deliver seamless, reliable solutions when our customers need us most."
- Marcos Torre, Manager - Private Jets UK
"JetCard by Air Partner's guaranteed aircraft availability provides additional peace of mind for every eventuality. Our seamless private jet membership allows members to take advantage of fixed hourly rates at short notice, ensuring their flight plans stay on track."
- Ty Smith, Senior Vice President - JetCard & Private Jet Sales - UK, Europe & RoW
To learn more about our private aviation services, supplemental lift solutions, and the meticulous contingency processes that keep our clients flying, speak to our expert team today.