Passengers faced major travel disruption between central London and Heathrow Airport after a burst water main flooded the signalling system. The UK's busiest airport was left without any rail or Tube service following the incident, compounded by planned engineering works.
No Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express services ran between Paddington and Heathrow terminals for hours after flooding caused a signalling meltdown. Meanwhile, the Piccadilly line was suspended between Heathrow and Acton Town for planned weekend works, leaving buses as the only public transport option.
Frustrated travellers took to social media to express their anger. One person said: 'Got through Heathrow quickly, great straight onto the Elizabeth line…. Nope, line is flooded. It's two buses and a train instead.' Another added: '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!'
The flooding occurred between Paddington and Heathrow after a burst water main, blocking all lines and submerging the signalling system, National Rail reported. Tracks have now reopened and services are expected to resume to normal soon. A Network Rail spokesperson said: 'The railway line to Heathrow Airport has reopened following an earlier problem with the signalling system caused by a leaking water pipe. Heathrow infrastructure maintenance teams have isolated the leak and trains are able to run again.'
Passengers are advised to check National Rail Enquiries for the latest travel information. Those with Heathrow Express tickets can use them on Great Western Railway services on any reasonable route. The nearest railway stations to Heathrow with GWR services are Hayes & Harlington, West Drayton and Southall stations.
