Passengers travelling to and from Heathrow airport faced significant disruption on Saturday after a burst pipe caused a signal failure, halting train services for several hours. Transport for London (TfL) reported that the Elizabeth Line was suspended between Hayes and Harlington and Heathrow from around 6am due to flooding at Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3. The Heathrow Express was also affected.
Services resumed shortly after midday following repairs by Heathrow's infrastructure maintenance teams, who isolated the leaking water pipe. A Heathrow spokesperson said: 'Services are now starting to resume on the Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express. Please allow extra time when travelling due to the earlier incident. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.'
A Network Rail spokesperson warned that delays could persist, adding: 'While we work to restore the timetable, trains may still be cancelled or revised. Passengers are therefore advised to check National Rail Enquiries for the latest travel information.' The Piccadilly Line remained out of service due to planned engineering works, with rail replacement buses in operation.
The disruption came during the half-term weekend, affecting travellers heading to the UK's busiest airport, which recorded its busiest-ever day on 1 August last year with over a quarter of a million passengers. Social media users reported long waits and high costs for alternative transport, with one passenger describing a three-hour journey from Highbury to the airport and another criticising poor communication at the airport itself.
TfL's afternoon update indicated 'minor delays' remained on the Elizabeth Line between Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow due to the earlier signal failure. Passengers were advised to check National Rail Enquiries for the latest travel information before setting out.
