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# Heathrow Down to a Single Runway After Grass Fire Near 27L
- URL: https://www.thecontrail.org/heathrow-down-to-a-single-runway-after-grass-fire-near-27l/
- Published: 2026-08-06T17:29:34.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-06T20:40:29.000Z
- Description: Britain's busiest airport is down to one runway during evening peak, with arrivals holding and departure delays mounting across all terminals.
- Author: Zachary Benitez
- Tags: Breaking News

BREAKING - Britain's busiest airport has found itself in a tough spot Thursday afternoon after a grass fire shut down Runway 27 Left (27L). Heathrow, an airport that is often operating at or above its capacity, often uses its two runways in parallel to manage departure and arrival flow. The temporary loss of 27L has forced all operations to Runway 27 Right, causing significant operational delays.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/LHR.jpg)

Credit: AirNav Radar/Air Live

Footage shot by passengers and posted on social media depicts plumes of smoke drifting up from a grassy area adjacent to the runway. Multiple Heathrow Airport fire trucks can also be seen attempting to control the blaze.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY - Last updated 1:30 PM ET / 18:30 UTC

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ac/ed/acedfbb2-ff9c-499b-b431-eb36d7539be1/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-06-at-10.30.19-1.png)

Credit: JamesWade180/X