Travel News
Global flight turmoil as London's Heathrow closed by huge fire - REUTERS
By Kate Holton, Ben Makori and Sarah Young
Summary
- Heathrow to be closed all of Friday
- Flights diverted around the world
- Fire at substation still raging
LONDON, March 21 (Reuters) - Britain's Heathrow Airport was shut on Friday after a huge fire at a nearby electrical substation knocked out its power, disrupting flight schedules around the world.
Around 70 firefighters were tackling the blaze in the west of London, which also knocked out the area's back-up power system, leading to a mass outage at Heathrow, Europe's busiest and the world's fifth-busiest airport.
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Huge orange flames and plumes of black smoke could be seen shooting into the sky during the night before firefighters said they had the blaze under control. By early morning the roads around Britain's biggest airport were largely deserted, except for some passengers walking away with their luggage.
"Our fire investigators will begin their investigation and we will continue working closely with our partners to minimise disruption and support the community," the fire brigade said.
It said the cause of the fire was not known. Energy Minister Ed Miliband said it did not appear to be foul play.
Heathrow said the airport, which was due to handle 1,351 flights during the day, flying up to 291,000 passengers, would stay closed until midnight as it was experiencing a significant power outage.
"Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and should contact their airline for further information," it said. "We apologise for the inconvenience."
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The fire, which was reported just after 11 p.m. (2300 GMT) on Thursday, forced planes to divert to airports across Britain and Europe, while many long-haul flights simply returned to their point of departure.
Miliband said the "catastrophic" fire had prevented the power back-up system from working and that engineers were working to deploy a third back-up mechanism.
"With any incident like this we will want to understand why it happened and what if any lessons it has for our infrastructure," he told Sky News.
CHAOS AHEAD
Industry experts warned that some passengers forced to land in Europe may have to stay in transit lounges if they lack the visa paperwork to leave the airport. Global flight schedules will also be affected more broadly, as many aircraft will now be out of position.
"Heathrow is one of the major hubs of the world," said Ian Petchenik, spokesman for flight tracking website FlightRadar24.
Heathrow airport closed: more than 1,000 flights affected after substation fire causes power outage - live - THE GUARDIAN
Travellers warned to stay away amid ‘significant disruption’ after fire in Hayes causes power outage
Travel experts say the disruption will extend far beyond Heathrow
Airlines’ carefully choreographed networks depend on airplanes and crews being in specific locations at specific times. Dozens of air carriers will have to hurriedly reconfigure their networks to move planes and crews around after the Heathrow closure.
“The other question is, ‘What will airlines do to deal with the backlog of passengers?’”, said travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt with Atmosphere Research Group. “It’s going to be a chaotic couple of days.”
Naira-for-crude: Motorists engage in panic buying - DAILY TRUST
By Abdullateef Aliyu, Lagos
- ByAbdullateef Aliyu, Lagos
Fri, 21 Mar 2025 3:50:12 WAT
There is anxiety over fuel price following Wednesday’s announcement by Dangote Refinery that it is suspending the sale of petroleum products, Daily Trust can report.
The development is fueling panic buying at some filling stations with marketers warning against such even as fuel prices remain stable, according to checks by our correspondent at some filling stations yesterday.
Dangote Refinery had on Wednesday confirmed suspending the sale of its products comprising PMS, diesel and Jet fuel in naira.
According to it, “This decision is necessary to avoid a mismatch between our sales proceeds and our crude oil purchase obligations, which are currently denominated in U.S. dollars.”
In a message to its customers, Dangote Refinery said, “To date, our sales of petroleum products in Naira have exceeded the value of Naira-denominated crude we have received. As a result, we must temporarily adjust our sales currency to align with our crude procurement currency.”
Daily Trust reports that the development was due to the collapse of the naira-for-crude deal between it and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The arrangement, which started in October 2024 was for an initial period of six months ending by the end of March but the implementation was faced with a series of challenges over low supply.
Marketers and experts who spoke with our correspondent expressed concerns that the development could trigger a fresh increment in PMS and other products as the prices would now be dollarised.
National Publicity of the Independent Petroleum Marketers’ Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chinedu Ukadike in a chat with Daily Trust yesterday expressed optimism that the federal government would resolve its issue with Dangote to enable it resume the sale of its products in naira.
He warned that if the marketers begin to buy fuel in dollars, they might be forced to also sell in dollars; the development, which would put massive pressure on dollars.
He disclosed that already some tank farms had started increasing their products to independent marketers when NNPC and Dangote had not increased their prices.
He said, “We the independent marketers are patiently watching the scenario and also patiently watching Dangote and the FG in resolving this issue of Naira to crude which will definitely help us and stabilise the economy, some tank farm owners have started increasing prices of petroleum products in their tank farms but we the independent marketers are appealing to our marketers to not engage in panic buying because any moment from now this issue will be resolved and normal sales will be returned.
“Dangote has not increased his products neither the NNPC, the unnecessary and unwarranted increase by these tank farm owners to retail outlets is uncalled…
“We are hopeful that within a few days this issue will be resolved because if they sell fuel to us in dollars that means we sell fuel to our customers in dollars too, because that pressure cannot be passed to us, we will also pass it to the final consumers.
“It means the dollar has been localized as a legal entity in Nigeria, there will be acceleration in prices, instead of prices going down it will be going up because the Chad for dollar by so many people will be there and people will now start trading in dollars.”
“Look at now, the dollar was at around N1400 some weeks ago, now it’s almost N1550 and tomorrow speculators will take it to N1600, it is an artificial increase.”
Professor of Energy Law, Yemi Oke asked the federal government to immediately intervene to avert a price increase.
He said, “The reality is that with the policy Dangote just brought out, it means PMS price would naturally go up unless the federal government intervenes and directs the continued sale of crude to Dangote in naira. That is the only way Dangote can hedge against price volatility with the exchange rate.
“The dollar would also go up. It climbed from about 1,300 to N1,500 and that is an indication that the PMS price might also go up.”
He stated that NNPC is also a growing concern as a limited liability company mandated to also make money like other national oil companies and also it is competing with Dangote.
According to him, by the time Nigeria has more refineries, prices of PMS would go down. “But for now, it is still a kind of hide and seek game between Dangote Refinery and NNPC and it is only the federal government that can stem the tide to address this for and in the interest of Nigeria,” Oke said.
UK faces '66 hours' of snow next week with nine counties in England covered - BIRMINGHAM LIVE
The UK faces 66 hours of snow NEXT WEEK - with as many as NINE counties in England struck. Maps from WX Charts, which are projected using Met Desk data, show snow will hit some parts of the UK as early as 6am on Friday, March 28.
The snow could stick around until midnight on Sunday March 30, it is warned. Areas at risk in England include Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria, Northumberland, Westmorland, Cumberland and West and North Yorkshire.
As much as 2cm per hour could fall. In Wales, counties at risk include Gwynedd and Powys while north of the border in Scotland, counties set for a dusting include Perth and Kinross, Aberdeenshire, Stirling and Fife.
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Issuing its verdict for next week, the Met Office forecast - which spans March 24 to April - explains: "The final week or so of March to the start of April looks to be characterised by a slowly evolving, generally changeable weather pattern.
"Initially a more widely dry interlude seems likely but with time these drier conditions become more favoured across the south, where overnight fog is also a possibility. Further north and northwest, there is a greater chance of rain or showers at times, these accompanied by windier spells with a chance of gales for parts of the far northwest especially.
There is a small chance that these wetter, windier conditions may become more widespread for a time. Temperatures will probably pan out close to average overall, though chilly nights remain possible where clear skies coincide with light winds."
James Madden from Exacta Weather said this week: "We also can't rule out 20C or temperatures in the LOW 20s in some spots in the best of the sunshine during this period in the afternoons.
"However, these types of high-pressure-influenced weather patterns also offer cool to cold conditions in the evenings and ground frosts are possible in some vast areas and before the strong spring sunshine burns through in the day, and also prior to giving way to more unsettled conditions towards the WEEKEND.
"This period of more settled and sunny weather will then actually pave the way for another cold and wintry episode and further snow prospects for something our forecasts have repeatedly maintained would occur on multiple occasions deep into spring this year, and the NEXT WINTRY EPISODE is set to strike in and around MARCH 25 or possibly a little earlier."
Air Peace slashes London-Lagos airfare by N600,000, offers extra luggage - THE GUARDIAN
By Sola Richards
Air Peace has announced a fare reduction of up to N600,000 for travellers flying from various Nigerian cities to London, along with an additional luggage allowance.
The airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the promotional offer would run until March 31, 2025, with an extended travel period until April 15, 2025.
“As the largest airline in West and Central Africa, Air Peace remains steadfast in its vision of fostering prosperity through reliable air travel, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key player in global aviation,” the statement read.
Ndiulo said that Air Peace’s growing domestic and international network continues to enhance connectivity, creating new opportunities for both individuals and businesses.
The announcement was first made by the airline’s Chairman, Allen Onyema, at the Silverbird Man of the Year 2024 Awards in Lagos. As part of the event, Air Peace conducted a raffle draw, where five lucky winners received complimentary tickets.
Abodede Samuel Opeyemi, Comfort Bassey, and Folajimi Olayinka Oduyebo won return economy tickets to any domestic destination, while Osuagwu Nwamarachi and Eremu Precious secured economy return tickets to London.
According to Ndiulo, the initiative aligns with Air Peace’s commitment to making air travel more accessible and fostering economic growth.
“At Air Peace, we believe that aviation is more than just transportation; it is a bridge to opportunities, a catalyst for economic growth, and a tool for empowerment. We are committed to supporting individuals and businesses by connecting dreams with possibilities,” he quoted Onyema as saying.
UAE: Jan 1 to be paid holiday for private sector employees - EMIRATES NEWS
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that Wednesday, 1 January 2025, will be an official paid holiday for all UAE private sector employees for the occasion of New Year’s Day.
The decision is in line with the UAE Cabinet Resolution regarding approved public holidays for the government and private sectors.
Blackout hits 8 embassies, estates in Abuja as Disco cites technical fault - BUSINESSDAY
Another power outage has affected at least eight embassies and several residential estates in Abuja, with the electricity distribution company attributing the disruption to a technical fault on the feeder supplying the affected areas.
In a statement, the electricity distribution company assured residents and businesses that its technical team was working diligently to restore power as soon as possible.
“We regret the inconvenience caused by this outage and appreciate our customers’ patience as we work to resolve the issue,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the company also announced a planned maintenance activity scheduled for Sunday, March 23, 2025, that will result in a temporary disruption of vending services for prepaid customers.
The statement read: “During this brief window, prepaid customers may experience momentary interruptions when recharging their meters or accessing vending platforms. Normal service will resume immediately after the maintenance is completed. This activity is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our service experience for our customers and ensure greater reliability and efficiency. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and truly appreciate your patience and understanding.”
Overstaying visas attracts permanent ban, US warns Nigerians - PUNCH
BY Gift Habib
The United States government has issued a stern warning to Nigerian travellers about the severe consequences of overstaying their visa, emphasising that violators could face permanent bans from re-entering the country.
The US Mission in Nigeria posted the warning via its X on Monday.
The immigration authorities clarified that consular officers can access an individual’s full immigration history, making it nearly impossible to avoid penalties for past violations.
They further emphasised that travellers are responsible for adhering to the terms of their visa and that ignorance of visa regulations will not be accepted as an excuse.
“If you overstay your US visa, you could face a permanent ban on travelling to the United States. Consular officers have full access to your immigration history and will know about past violations. There is no such thing as an ‘honest mistake’ – it is your responsibility to use your visa correctly,” the US Mission stated.
It is learnt that those who overstay their visa for more than 180 days but less than a year may face a three-year re-entry ban.
If the overstay exceeds one year, the penalty could be a 10-year ban.
Repeat offenders or those with serious violations risk a permanent lifetime ban. immigration policies.
On February 16, 2025, the Federal Government raised serious concerns about the deportation of its nationals from the United States, urging Washington to adhere to international conventions and ensure a dignified repatriation process.
During a meeting with the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, emphasised the emotional and financial strain these deportations are placing on Nigerians in the US and their families back home.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted that “about 201 Nigerians are currently detained in US immigration centers, with around 85 cleared for deportation,” adding that the government was advocating for a more humane approach to the process.
“With the new US administration in place, we expect commitments to ensure that, if repatriation occurs, it will be done with dignity,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further pointed out that many Nigerians in the US play a crucial role in supporting their families back home through vital remittances, which help sustain their livelihoods and fund their education.
She noted that these deportations, especially for those with no violent criminal history, should not be sudden or traumatic.
“We are asking as a country whether they will be given ample time to handle their assets or will they just be bundled into planes and repatriated?” she questioned.
CHECK FULL LIST: Dead Nigerians, Africans, others without will may lose unclaimed estates in UK - PUNCH
Hundreds of unclaimed estates reveal untold stories of African migration, wealth, and family ties left behind.
Thousands of people die every year in the United Kingdom without leaving a will or identifying next of kin, and among them are many Nigerians and other Africans whose estates—ranging from property to savings—remain unclaimed.
The UK government’s latest list of unclaimed estates, updated daily, includes over 170 entries connected to African-born individuals, with Nigerians making up a significant portion of the cases.
A Legacy Lost
For many migrants, the UK became a home away from home—a land of opportunity where they built wealth, purchased property, and created a life.
However, the absence of a will often results in their assets being classified as “bona vacantia” (ownerless goods), leaving them to the custody of the Crown.
Families back in Africa are frequently unaware of these estates, leading to a permanent loss of assets.
Cases like that of Adenike Adebiyi, who passed away in Hackney, London, in 2004, or Solomon Adekanmibi, who died in Colchester, Essex, in 2021, highlight the consequences of dying intestate.
With no identified next of kin or missing documentation, their estates remain unclaimed, and their legacies risk being forgotten.
Why It Matters
This phenomenon underscores a critical issue: many African families are unaware of their relatives’ financial situations abroad.
Migration often disrupts communication, and without clear documentation, the wealth built overseas remains beyond reach.
The loss isn’t just financial—it’s deeply cultural and emotional. Unclaimed estates represent untold family histories, connections, and the struggles of migrants who built their lives in the diaspora.
The Challenges
Lack of Awareness: Most families in Nigeria and other African countries are unaware of their relatives’ estates abroad or how to access them.
Genealogical Gaps: The information provided in official records is often incomplete. For example, many entries in the UK unclaimed estates list lack detailed family history or next-of-kin information.
Cultural Hesitations: In many African cultures, discussing death and wills is considered taboo, leading to reluctance in planning for asset distribution.
A Call to Action
African governments, community organizations, and legal professionals need to raise awareness about this issue.
Here’s what can be done:
Encouraging Will Writing: Migrants in the diaspora should be educated about the importance of drafting wills to protect their assets.
Genealogical Support: Families in Africa can be assisted in tracing unclaimed estates through local or international partnerships.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Social and traditional media can highlight the importance of estate planning and share resources for families.
How to Check the List
The UK government maintains a public Unclaimed Estates List that is updated daily.
Families can search the list by name, place of birth, or other identifiers to check for potential claims.
What can be done?
>span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem]">Lived in the UK but retired to Nigeria and subsequently died without a will.
It’s crucial to investigate whether they left behind unclaimed assets. Here’s what you can do:
Consult the Bona Vacantia List: Verify Eligibility: >span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem]">To claim an estate, you must be an entitled relative, such as a spouse, child, sibling, or other close family member. The UK government’s guidelines detail the hierarchy of entitled relatives.
Prepare Necessary Documentation: Gather essential documents, including:
A detailed family tree illustrating your relationship to the deceased.
Birth, marriage, and death certificates as evidence of lineage.
Personal identification documents.
Submit a Claim: Contact the UK Government Legal Department’s Bona Vacantia Division to initiate the claim process. Provide all required documentation to support your claim.
Be Mindful of Time Limits: Claims are typically accepted within 12 years from the date the estate administration was completed, with interest paid on the money held. In some cases, claims can be made up to 30 years after the death, though without interest.
Preventative Measures:
To prevent your assets from becoming unclaimed estates:
Draft a Will: Clearly outline how you wish your assets to be distributed upon your death.
Maintain Updated Records: Keep personal and financial records current and accessible to trusted family members.
Inform Relatives: Ensure your family is aware of any assets held in the UK or elsewhere, facilitating easier claims if necessary.
By taking these steps, you can safeguard your family’s inheritance and ensure that assets are rightfully claimed and distributed.
Final Thoughts
For many Nigerians and Africans in the UK, their unclaimed estates represent more than just wealth—it’s a story of migration, resilience, and identity.
By addressing this growing issue, families can reclaim their heritage, and the legacy of those who journeyed to the diaspora need not be forgotten.
Emirates Airlines expresses commitment to Nigeria route - PUNCH
By Olasunkanmi Akinlotan
United Arab Emirates Carrier Emirates Airlines says its operation has seen healthy and steady load factors since the resumption of its operations in Lagos last year.
This was in dissonance with some media reports recently insinuating that the airline has been struggling with low passenger load capacity since it returned to Nigeria in 2024.
In a swift reaction, the airline, in a statement on Monday, said it is one of the only two airlines operating first class into Lagos and that its premium cabins have performed exceptionally well.
The statement read, “Emirates’ Business and Economy Class products are similarly popular with business and leisure travellers on the Lagos-Dubai route, and cargo shippers are utilising the bellyhold space on Emirates’ 777 aircraft for valuable imports and exports of Nigerian goods.
“Feedback from customers has been consistently positive, as are the relationships Emirates has established with key stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation, tourism and trade sectors.”
In February 2025, Emirates signed an interline agreement with Air Peace, expanding its footprint to 13 new cities in Nigeria and providing travellers with more opportunities to connect with the airline’s world-class product and service.
The move comes just five months after the resumption, demonstrating the airline’s unwavering commitment to scaling its operations to better serve travellers in Nigeria.
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