‘That begs some serious questions. Firstly, how is it that critical infrastructure – of national and global importance – is totally dependent on a single power source without an alternative. If that is the case – as it seems – then it is a clear planning failure by the airport,’ says Walsh.
‘From that arises the question of who bears the costs of taking care of disrupted travellers. We must find a fairer allocation of passenger care costs than airlines alone picking up the tab when infrastructure fails. Until that happens, Heathrow has little incentive to improve.’
However, the chief executive of Heathrow defended the running of the airport after a fire at an electrical substation stopped about 1,300 planes and disrupted the journeys of many thousands of global passengers.
Thomas Woldbye told UK media that while lessons needed to be learned from the fire on Friday, most other airports also operated without a separate power plant.
TAANZ: Agents show worth (again) in LHR closure
The exceptional efforts of TAANZ accredited travel agents supporting many New Zealand travellers impacted by the unexpected closure of London’s Heathrow Airport due to a fire have been highlighted by Julie White, CEO of the Travel Agents Association New Zealand (TAANZ),
‘This significant global travel disruption shows yet again the immense value of booking through an accredited travel professional,’ White says. ‘Our TAANZ accredited agents proactively worked around the clock to ensure Kiwi travellers were promptly rebooked, informed and supported every step of the way.’
She emphasises that travellers who booked independently, without the assistance of a TAANZ accredited travel agent or advisor, faced the daunting challenge of navigating cancellations, delays and rebookings themselves.
‘Those without professional assistance were left monitoring the chaos alone, unable to stay ahead of the curve – or indeed, ahead of the lengthy queues forming for alternative travel arrangements,’ White adds.
