Contact the airline, NOT the airport

Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel said: “Don’t attempt to travel to the airport, but instead keep in touch with your airline for their advice.

“If your flight is cancelled you won’t be entitled to compensation as these events will be considered an extraordinary circumstance, but you will be entitled to assistance from your airline, including overnight accommodation if needed.

“Passengers will have the choice of being rerouted or accepting a refund, and if you opt for the former your airline is obliged to get you on a new flight as soon as possible, including with rival carriers from alternative airports.

“If you instead accept a refund, be aware that your airline will have no further duty of care to you and you’ll need to make your own arrangements.

“It’s also worth checking the terms of your travel insurance to see if you are able to recoup any other expenses you may have incurred as a result of this incident, such as car hire or airport parking fees.”

No casualties reported from the blaze

There have been no casualties or anyone treated for injuries at the scene of the fire at an electrical substation in Hayes, the London Ambulance Service has confirmed.

Hazardous area response teams and an incident response officer are currently on the scene, they added.

“We are currently supporting emergency services colleagues at the scene of a fire in Hayes,” a spokesperson said.

“Please try to avoid the area and, if you live nearby, stay indoors and keep windows closed.”