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A burst water main flooded the signalling system, disrupting travel to Heathrow Airport, which is currently without any rail or Tube services. Passengers must rely on bus transport as major delays are expected until at least 11am.
Major disruption is expected until at least 11am due to the signalling system failure caused by the burst water main. Passengers are currently advised to use bus services as the only available public transport option to Heathrow Airport.
Heathrow Airport has announced that “there are currently no rail services operating to and from Heathrow” due to flooding caused by a burst water main, urging passengers to consider bus or coach options. The disruption is expected to persist until at least 11am, as authorities continue to work on restoring services.
What remains unclear — It is unknown how long the disruption to services will last beyond the expected resolution time of 11am.
Burst water main disrupts Elizabeth line and Heathrow services
Passengers face major travel disruption between central London and Heathrow Airport after a burst water main flooded the signalling system.
The UK’s busiest airport is currently without any rail or Tube service after the burst pipe incident and planned engineering works.
There are no Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express services running between Paddington and Heathrow terminals after flooding led to a signalling meltdown.
Meanwhile, the Piccadilly line is suspended between Heathrow and Acton Town for planned works taking place this weekend.
Passengers face arduous journeys to the airport because the only public transport option available at the moment is the bus.
One person said on X: ‘Got through Heathrow quickly, great straight onto the Elizabeth line…. Nope, line is flooded. It’s two buses and a train instead.’
The flooding happened between Paddington and Heathrow after a burst water main, blocking all lines and submerging the signalling system, National Rail said.
Major disruption is expected at least until 11am.
Another frustrated traveller said: ‘No Piccadilly line to terminal 5. No Elizabeth line to terminal 5 due to flooding??? Waiting for a bus that doesn’t seem to arrive. People will miss their flights! Sort this out!’
Heathrow Airport said: ‘There are currently no rail services operating to and from Heathrow. The Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express are currently suspended, and the Piccadilly line is closed between Heathrow and Acton Town as part of planned works.
‘If you are travelling to the airport, please allow extra time and consider bus or coach options. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.’
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Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express status
TfL’s latest Elizabeth line status shows that the route is part suspended between Heathrow Terminal T5 and Terminal T4 and Hayes & Harlington.
The stretch between Hayes & Harlington and Paddington has minor delays.
Heathrow Express status says it has no service in either direction due to a fault with the signalling system.
What other Heathrow travel options are available?
The main affordable option to reach the airport is buses, while taxis and private hires are also available as normal, but will cost more.
People with Heathrow Express tickets can use them on Great Western Railway (GWR) services on any reasonable route.
The nearest railway stations to Heathrow with GWR services are Hayes & Harlington, West Drayton and Southall stations.
How to travel to and from Heathrow Airport by bus
From London Paddington to Heathrow
- 27 bus to Hammersmith Broadway (stop F)
- 702 bus to High Street Langley (from SC)
- 703 bus to Heathrow Terminal 5
From Ealing
- SL8 bus to The Greenway (stop K)
- 724 to Heathrow Airport
From Hayes & Harlington
- 278/SL9 from station approach (stop E)
Travelling from Heathrow to central London
The following buses from all Heathrow Terminals:
- 285 → Feltham / Heathrow area
- 423 → local routes
- X26 → Croydon (via Kingston)