Heathrow Airport closed due to fire and power outage

A group of young rugby players from London faced travel chaos due to a power outage at Heathrow Airport. The outage was caused by a fire, leading to the airport's closure until late Friday. This situation caused significant disruption for travelers. The London Irish amateur rugby club, which had 120 children scheduled to travel to Dublin for matches, was determined not to let the closure ruin their trip. Paul Charles, a club member, explained that they quickly organized buses to take the group to Holyhead for a ferry to Dublin. Charles shared that they began planning early on Thursday morning after learning of the airport closure. They initially contacted Aer Lingus to reschedule their flight, but the next available option was not until the following day. Instead of waiting, the club decided to rent two coaches and book the ferry, which cost about €15,000. Charles acknowledged that it was a large amount but emphasized the importance of the trip, calling it a "rite of passage" for the children. The club had previously raised money through fundraising efforts, and some parents contributed to help cover the costs. Charles highlighted their resilience, stating they would not let the airport chaos stop them. The team is set to participate in a tournament on Sunday and is looking forward to enjoying their time in Dublin.