Airlines threaten to sue London's Heathrow Airport over shutdown losses
What's the story
London's Heathrow Airport, was brought to a standstill on Friday after a fire at an electricity substation.
The incident resulted in the scrapping of around 1,300 flights and impacted nearly 250,000 passengers.
Now, the Heathrow Airline Operators Committee, which represents over 90 airlines including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, has hinted at possible legal action. This could be over losses incurred due to the airport's closure.
Belief
HOAC hopes for an amicable agreement on costs
Nigel Wicking, the chief executive of HAOC, hoped for an amicable agreement on these costs but acknowledged that "there might be a case for legal action" if adequate compensation isn't provided.
Communication issues
Heathrow's communication criticized amid crisis
Wicking also slammed Heathrow's communication during the crisis, calling it "appalling" that airlines had to wait until midnight on Friday to confirm Terminal 2's reopening on Saturday.
He called this situation, "not justifiable given the amount of money that has been spent on Heathrow over the years and the fact that it is the most expensive airport in the world."
Investigation initiated
Investigations launched following power outage
An independent investigation into the incident and the delay in resuming flights has been demanded by Wicking.
Ruth Kelly, a former transport secretary and an independent member of Heathrow's board, will conduct an internal review of the airport's crisis management plans and response.
Additionally, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has ordered an investigation into the power outage, which will be led by the National Energy System Operator.
Airport's statement
Heathrow's response to fire and future plans
Responding to the incident, a Heathrow spokesperson said, "This was an unprecedented issue which began with a fire at an off-airport substation."
The spokesperson also assured, "There are two reviews into the systems and response both at Heathrow and with the wider grid infrastructure. We will support these and lessons will be learned where needed."