PASSENGERS are facing travel chaos this bank holiday following a signalling issue impacting routes to Heathrow Airport.
There are major delays on the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express trains wreaking havoc for those trying to reach the airport today.
Earlier this evening, customers travelling to Heathrow Airport have been hit with severe delays to their journey.
A signalling failure in the London Paddington area has meant there’s a reduced service on the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express trains.
Trains running between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport or Reading may be cancelled, delayed by up to 45 minutes or revised.
These delays are expected to last until the end of the day.
According to Heathrow Express’ website, there are delays in both directions with only two trains departing every hour.
Meanwhile, the Elizabeth Line has reported severe delays between Paddington and Heathrow Terminals while a signal fault in the Southall area is fixed.
The service is also severely reduced, with some stations currently not being served.
On the National Rail site, they advise those travelling from the east to change at Whitechapel for service to Heathrow Terminal 4.
At the moment, services for Heathrow Terminal 5 will terminate before reaching Heathrow, so passengers are advised to arrive at Heathrow and use the free terminal transfers available at the airport.
Transport for London have said that tickets are being accepted on London Underground.
But for those travelling to Heathrow, the Underground doesn’t offer much of a solution.
This bank holiday the Piccadilly Line is undergoing planned engineering works, with no service from Hyde Park Corner to Uxbridge or Northfields.
However, tickets are being accepted by Great Western Rail and local bus services in order to get passengers to Heathrow Airport.
A spokesperson for Great Western Rail said: “Network Rail are currently investigating a signalling issue affecting the relief lines just outside of Paddington.
“To help keep trains running, some services are being reduced – and we’re advising customers travelling to or from Paddington to check before they travel.”
TfL said: “The Elizabeth line services are currently impacted by signalling issues in the Hayes & Harlington area.
“There is a severely reduced service, with some stations not being served, though we are currently looking to increase services.
“There is alternative ticket acceptance with GWR and local bus services.”