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In 2024, as train drivers go on strike, there are widespread issues for airline travelers using rail transportation to get to and from airports.
The ongoing and contentious conflict between Aslef, a union representing train drivers, and 14 train companies in England has been ongoing for three years. Despite efforts to find a resolution, the disagreement regarding compensation and work schedules continues. As a result, Aslef is implementing a week-long strike, beginning on Tuesday, January 30th and ending on Monday, February 5th, gradually affecting different regions.
The impact is worsened by a nine-day restriction on working extra hours starting from January 29 to February 6.
The UK’s busiest airport, London Heathrow, will remain accessible at all times on the Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth Line and the Tube. But other major airports will be badly affected – with most trains cancelled on strike days. The overtime ban will also cause some cancellations until Tuesday 6 February.
On Tuesday, January 30th, passengers at London Gatwick will experience major disruptions due to strikes. The Gatwick Express and Thameslink trains will not be operating. However, those traveling between London and Gatwick can still use the Southern shuttle service, which will have nonstop trips between Victoria and the airport. On January 30th, the GWR link from Gatwick to Redhill, Guildford, and Reading will run as usual, but it will not be running on February 5th.
On Friday, February 2nd, London Stansted will only have limited service to and from the capital, with changes to the schedule on all other days during the overtime ban. The route to Norwich will not be available on February 2nd, but trains from CrossCountry to Cambridge (and continuing to Birmingham) will still be operating. However, on February 5th, there will be no CrossCountry trains running to Stansted airport or any other destination.
Luton airport will remain accessible by rail, at least from London, on all days: on the Thameslink strike day, 30 January, Thameslink will have a reduced service from London St Pancras to Luton Airport Parkway. In addition, the East Midlands Railway link will be running. On 3 February, when no East Midlands Railway services are likely to run, Thameslink will be connecting Luton airport with London, Bedford and Brighton.
On Friday, February 2nd, there will be hourly trains departing from Southend airport with limited operating hours.
On Tuesday, January 30, South Western Railway will not provide service to Southampton airport. Additionally, CrossCountry will not serve the airport on Monday, February 5.
On Wednesday, January 31st, the rail service at Manchester airport will experience significant reductions due to strikes by Northern and TransPennine Express drivers. The only available option for transportation to and from central Manchester, Chester, and North Wales will be an hourly link provided by Transport for Wales.
The railway to Birmingham airport will most likely not be operational on Saturday, February 3rd, with the exception of Transport for Wales departing from Birmingham New Street station.
The ongoing strike does not impact airports in Scotland and Wales that have train connections.
Source: independent.co.uk
