A fire that brought Heathrow Airport to a standstill for 24 hours has sparked concerns over potential sabotage, with security experts warning that the incident bears similarities to previous Russian-linked attacks on European infrastructure.
Officials have yet to determine the cause of the fire, but one theory suggests it originated from a faulty transformer. Counterterrorism police are examining the site for evidence of foul play, though no conclusions have been reached. The fire follows a series of intelligence-linked incidents across Europe, including arson attacks and cyber threats that have targeted critical infrastructure.
Security analysts have previously warned that a single substation fire could cripple a major airport, making it a potential target for state-sponsored sabotage. Former military officials have drawn comparisons between the Heathrow incident and past attacks attributed to Russian intelligence operations.
The fire comes after a 2024 blaze at a Ukrainian-owned warehouse in East London, which a British national later admitted to organizing on behalf of Russia. Other incidents include suspected Russian sabotage of undersea internet cables in European waters and an alleged cyber campaign against major airlines.
John McDonnell, a member of Parliament for Hayes and Harlington, called for a full investigation, questioning how both the primary power system and its backup could fail simultaneously. A government spokesperson confirmed that authorities are focused on resolving the situation but emphasized that a thorough inquiry would follow to determine the cause and prevent future disruptions.
Former intelligence officials have pointed to a pattern of Russian involvement in infrastructure attacks, including a foiled plot to bomb a shopping center in Lithuania and a fire at a major retail complex in Poland. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has accused Russia of engaging in “air terror” against European airlines, further heightening concerns about sabotage efforts.
Russian state media and social media users reacted with mockery, with Kremlin-backed outlets suggesting British officials would blame Moscow for the incident. Some posts referenced the 2018 poisoning of Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, in which Russian agents were accused of using a nerve agent.
Security experts have warned that whether the Heathrow fire was accidental or intentional, it underscores vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Analysts have urged the UK government to enhance resilience against potential sabotage threats, particularly as geopolitical tensions with Russia remain high.
Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out any possible causes. The fire has renewed discussions about airport security and the need for increased protection against potential threats to national infrastructure.
