Travel Disruptions at Heathrow Airport: Vehicle Fire Causes Road Delays

Passengers heading to Heathrow Airport are currently facing significant delays due to a vehicle fire in a tunnel near the airport. The incident has resulted in partial road closures affecting access to Terminals 2 and 3. Heathrow Airport issued a statement on X, advising travelers to allow extra time for their journeys and to consider using public transportation whenever possible. The airport also apologized for the inconvenience caused by the disruption.

The fire occurred in a tunnel on Tunnel Road, impacting traffic both ways between Terminals 2 and 3 and the M4 Spur Road, near the Emirates roundabout. According to AA Roadwatch, one lane has been closed, leading to "queueing traffic" in the area. The congestion has spilled over to the M4 and the A4, further exacerbating the situation. Motorists are currently limited to a single lane in each direction through the tunnel, which is causing significant backups.

National Highways: East has provided an update on the situation, confirming that the M4 southbound spur near Heathrow, between junctions J4 and J4A, has now been reopened. However, the agency has warned of "severe delays" for travelers approaching the airport and has urged passengers to allocate additional time for their journeys. They also thanked commuters for their patience as efforts to resolve the situation continue.

Passengers are encouraged to check for real-time updates before embarking on their travels, as the situation remains fluid. The airport and traffic authorities are working diligently to mitigate the impact of the incident, but delays are expected to persist for several hours. Travelers are advised to monitor their routes closely and consider alternative modes of transportation to reach the airport.

For those planning to travel to Heathrow, the airport has emphasized the importance of leaving extra time to account for potential delays. Public transportation is a recommended option to minimize the impact of the road closures. Additionally, passengers are encouraged to stay informed through official updates from Heathrow Airport, National Highways, and AA Roadwatch for the latest information on the situation.

This breaking news story is still unfolding, and updates will be provided as more details become available. In the meantime, travelers are urged to remain patient and flexible as authorities work to restore normal traffic flow. For the latest alerts and updates, users can download the Sky News App, follow @SkyNews on X, or subscribe to their YouTube channel.