Travel delays strikes and disruption

RAIL passengers travelling on a major route can expect delays as planned engineering work gets underway.

Commuters are being advised to plan ahead of the partial line closure, which will affect a busy UK airport.

Essential engineering work is due to be carried out on the Brighton Main Line south of Gatwick Airport on Sunday, November 30.

The scheduled maintenance means no trains will be running between Gatwick, Brighton, Hove, Lewes or Horsham.

Passengers are advised to plan ahead, with buses set to replace services on the closed part of the route.

Planned works

All four tracks in this section are due to be closed as major work gets underway.

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Among Network Rail’s major package of works is the replacement of sections of the track.

This will take place at Tinsley Green Junction near Crawley, at Three Bridges, and between Copyhold Junction and the Ouse Valley viaduct.

Meanwhile, drainage systems at Wivelsfield station will also be renewed and maintenance will also take place at Keymer level crossing and other locations.

According to Network Rail, these improvements are vital to keep services safe and reliable.

Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex route director spoke to Sussex Express about the planned works.

“We know closing the railway is frustrating, and we are sorry for the disruption this causes,” she said.

“This work is essential for us as we try and prevent speed restrictions or emergency closures occurring in the future, which would cause even bigger delays at these locations and on the wider rail network.”

She went on to thank passengers for their understanding, and advised them to “plan ahead and check before you travel if you are travelling on Sunday, November 30, as your journey will take longer”.

Alternative routes

As well as replacement buses, a diverted Southern train service will run between Brighton and London Victoria calling at Hove, Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing, Angmering, Littlehampton, Horsham, and Clapham Junction.

Anyone travelling between Brighton and London on the affected date is strongly advised to use this train service rather than the limited replacement bus service.

Passengers are also reminded that travelling by replacement buses on routes between Brighton, Lewes, Haywards Heath, or and Gatwick Airport, they will require a transfer.

Commuters will need to change buses at Three Bridges for a separate shuttle bus service between Three Bridges and Gatwick Airport.

This is due to insufficient space at Gatwick Airport for the required temporary queuing systems.

The Three Bridges station car park will be converted into a temporary bus hub with different queues for buses serving various destinations.

To facilitate this bus hub, the station car park at Three Bridges will be closed from the evening of Saturday, November 29 until early morning Monday, December 1.

Jenny Saunders, customer services director for Govia Thameslink Railway, advised passengers to plan ahead.

“Any of our customers travelling between the coast and Gatwick this Sunday should please take note that this essential work is going to extend their journeys considerably,” she said.

“Please plan ahead at nationalrail.co.uk and check live running information online before you leave for the station.”

Further major works will also take place on the Brighton Main Line over three weekends in January, between Gatwick Airport and Purley and East Croydon.

Branch lines between Reigate and Redhill and Redhill to Tonbridge will also be affected by this work.

And there will be a closure between Three Bridges and Brighton on Sunday, February 1.

Replacement buses will run where trains are not operating, and detailed travel advice about those closures will be shared in December.

More on travel disruptions

Meanwhile, Christmas chaos is expected as train workers announce wave of strikes on four key dates.

British Airways and Ryanair have been forced to cancel flights to two major airports.

And Ryanair is also set to axe all flights to European islands often compared to Hawaii.

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A massive UK train station is shutting for nine days as part of an £8 million “once-in-a-generation” overhaul.

Plus, the UK’s busiest train station will shut for a week over Christmas causing chaos for millions.

MORE flights have been cancelled today amid a nationwide strike abroad.

The walk out across Belgium is following the new plans introduced by the country’s prime minister to reduce the debt.

Brussels Airport confirmed they have cancelled 110 of the 203 incoming flights today.

This is in addition to the departing flights already axed due to the strike.

The remaining 93 incoming flights will still go ahead.

In a statement yesterday, Brussels Airport confirmed: “Due to the national industrial action on Wednesday 26 November in which the staff of the security and handling service provider is participating, we unfortunately expect major disruptions to our airport operations on that day.”   

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Major airports axe ALL flights tomorrow affecting hundreds of Brit passengers

Hundreds of Brits will be affected by the cancellations as airlines including BA and Ryanair operate flights.

British Airways has cancelled all of its London Heathrow to Brussels flights.

And Ryanair has cancelled all of their flights to Brussels Charleroi which affects routes from Manchester and Edinburgh.

Flights between Manchester and Brussels that are operated by Brussels Airlines have also been cancelled.

Brussels Charleroi Airport also said in a statement: “Due to the national day of action planned for Wednesday 26 November by a united front of trade unions and the lack of staff available to ensure safe operations, Charleroi Airport will not be able to operate scheduled departures and arrivals.

“Passengers scheduled to fly via Charleroi on November 26 will be contacted in the coming days by their airline for a rebooking or refund.”

Antwerp and Ostend-Bruges airports are fully operating stick.

It’s not just flights affected, as Eurostar travel has also been affected.

A number of trains between Paris and Belgium have been cancelled or delayed this week.

They told passengers: “Please keep an eye on our live train info page which we’ll update as soon as we know the strike impacts our timetable.

“Public transport and domestic train traffic could be disrupted. If you have a connecting journey, please check for travel updates with the relevant carrier ahead of your trip.

“You may need to allow extra time for your journey.”

Ferries and domestic trains are also being affected and cancelled.

ALL flights are being cancelled at two major European airports tomorrow and it affects Brits.

A national strike is currently taking place across Belgium, affecting public transport.

The walk out follows new laws that would change labour laws including benefits and pensions, put forward by Prime Minister Bart De Wever to tackle the country’s growing debt.

Despite starting yesterday, tomorrow will see the most chaos when it comes to flights.

Belgium’s biggest airport in Brussels confirmed all departures would be cancelled tomorrow (November 26).

Brussels Airport said in a statement: “Due to the national industrial action on Wednesday 26 November in which the staff of the security and handling service provider is participating, we unfortunately expect major disruptions to our airport operations on that day.”   

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“To ensure the safety of passengers and staff, we have decided, in consultation with the airlines, not to operate any departing flights on 26 November. In the upcoming days, the airlines will contact passengers directly to inform them of their options.”

Some arrival flights may also be affected as well as any public transport to and from the airport.

This affects around 30 flights to the UK, according to SkyRefund, as airlines including BA, easyJet and Brussels Airlines all operate fights there.

This means hundreds of passengers will find themselves having to make alternative arrangements.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport – primarily used by Ryanair – is also being affected by the cancellations.

They said in a statement that there would be no departures or arrivals tomorrow.

They explained: “Due to the national day of action planned for Wednesday 26 November by a united front of trade unions and the lack of staff available to ensure safe operations, Charleroi Airport will not be able to operate scheduled departures and arrivals.

“Passengers scheduled to fly via Charleroi on November 26 will be contacted in the coming days by their airline for a rebooking or refund.”

SkyRefund CEO Ivalyo Danailov says passengers should contact their airline to look at rebooking and refund options.

However, compensation won’t be available as it is seen as an “extraordinary event”.

Eurostar has also warned of disruption affecting trains between Paris and Brussels.

This will have a knock on effect for Brits travelling from London St Pancras.

A number of trains were cancelled or delayed yesterday, which could also hit more today and tomorrow.

They said in a statement: “Please keep an eye on our live train info page which we’ll update as soon as we know the strike impacts our timetable.

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“Public transport and domestic train traffic could be disrupted. If you have a connecting journey, please check for travel updates with the relevant carrier ahead of your trip.

“You may need to allow extra time for your journey.”

THE first flight linking two of the UK’s top holiday spots has officially taken off, restoring a vital travel link just weeks after the collapse of its former operator.

The route between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Gatwick had been left in limbo earlier this month when Eastern Airways revealed it was on the brink of administration.

The regional carrier, which had operated the connection seven times a week, suspended services as the company folded.

But on Sunday afternoon, November 23, Skybus officially stepped in – with its inaugural flight marking the return of the essential link used by holidaymakers, commuters and the region’s tourism industry.

The daily service is being supported by both the Government and Cornwall Council.

Only twelve passengers were on board the Boeing 737 for the first take-off, leaving plenty of space on the 180-seater aircraft as the replacement route got underway.

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Cornwall Airport Newquay’s managing director Amy Smith said the launch marked “an important milestone” for the region.

She added that the reinstated London link would strengthen Cornwall’s “resilience” and support the economy year-round, welcoming Skybus as a partner for “a dependable service for residents, businesses and visitors alike”.

Cornwall Council also hailed the restart as a major boost.

Cllr Tim Dwelly, portfolio holder for economic regeneration, said the return of the connection would play a key role in supporting local business and tourism confidence.

How much does it cost?

Fares on the new Skybus service begin at £79.99 one-way, including a 15kg checked bag.

Travellers can pay extra for additional luggage or a FlyFlexi add-on, which offers increased baggage allowance, ticket flexibility and security fast-track from £22.50 each way.

Skybus confirmed it expects to switch to a smaller 78-seat Q400 turboprop aircraft next month, with services increasing to twice daily from mid-February.

Managing director Jonathan Hinkles said the launch was “a proud moment” for the airline and a major step forward for Cornwall’s connectivity, describing the route as crucial for keeping communities and businesses linked to the capital all year.

Airline collapse

The reinstated service comes after weeks of uncertainty for travellers. Eastern Airways, one of the UK’s remaining regional carriers, collapsed earlier in November after years of financial struggle.

The airline reported a £19.7million net loss for the year to March 2024 – almost £5million worse than the previous year.

Cornwall Council moved quickly to secure a temporary agreement with Skybus, ensuring the connection wasn’t lost for long.

Leader of the council Leigh Frost said the route was essential, particularly with the county’s unreliable rail links, adding that Cornwall “needs that secure route so it can access the rest of the world”.

Skybus will continue to operate the service until at least mid-2026, while the council works to find a long-term airline to take on a four-year contract.

Previously, the route has been operated by FlyBe and after that, British Airways.

Eastern Airways took over operations in 2020 until its collapse earlier this month.

While stepping in on the Newquay–Gatwick route is new territory for Skybus, the airline is no stranger to Cornwall.

It has flown between Newquay and the Isles of Scilly for more than 30 years, with flights also running from Land’s End and Exeter.

Its parent company, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company, also operates boats to the islands.

With the reinstated air link now back in action, Cornwall’s gateway to the capital is once again open, offering welcome stability after a turbulent month for regional travel.

Plus, here are the pretty twin beach villages in the ‘forgotten corner’ of Cornwall.

And another Cornish village compared to Greece with seafront Roman attraction and one of the UK’s warmest beaches.

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Plus an English village that’s the ‘quiet side of Cornwall’ has A-list holidaymakers and no cars.

For alternatives to Cornwall, one travel writer would encourage Brits to head to her county instead.

TRAIN passengers hoping to travel across Britain as Christmas closes in are facing uncertainty after a trade union announced strike action on four consecutive Saturdays.

Workers at rail operator CrossCountry will stage a slew of strikes in December in a dispute over pay.

Rail, Maritime and Transport union [RMT] members will walk out on December 6, 13, 20 and 27 – sparking chaos for Brits.

The move is likely affect thousands of Brits who are heading home to family and relatives for Christmas and New Year.

Engineering works on the West Coast Main Line on December 27 mean some passengers would have been hoping to use CrossCountry trains as an alternative.

CrossCountry operates a nationwide network centred on Birmingham New Street, running long-distance services that link Scotland, the North East and North West, Yorkshire and the Midlands, Wales, the South West, the South Coast and the East of England – including through-services such as the Cardiff–Edinburgh “Three Nations” route.

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“We are disappointed for our customers that the RMT has announced further industrial action,” Shiona Rolfe, Managing Director at CrossCountry told The Sun.

“We’ve worked hard to make a fair and reasonable offer that addresses the key points raised in this dispute, and we’ve made meaningful progress in negotiations.

“Our priority remains reaching an agreement that avoids disruption for passengers in the busy Christmas period, and we are ready to continue talks at any time.”

CrossCountry has not yet confirmed how the strike will impact services, but it is likely that most will be cancelled and they will only operate a  limited timetable at best.  

Eddie Dempsey, general secretary of the RMT – Britain’s biggest rail workers’ union – said today: “CrossCountry has not dealt with the core issues in this dispute and has come back with a proposal that is worse than what was already on the table.

“Our members are still facing unresolved staffing shortages, unfair pay outcomes and broken commitments. RMT members have been left with no choice but to take strike action.

“The company must return with a serious offer that meets the commitments it has already made and treats our members with the fairness and respect they deserve.”

The Sun Online has reached out to CrossCountry for comment.

It comes as Network Rail warned passengers to expect delays around Christmas and the New Year ahead of major £130 million works.

The disruption is set to last for a total of a month over Christmas, while crucial work is carried out.

Announcing a raft of festive network upgrades, Network Rail boss Helen Hamlin said: “The period between Christmas and New Year is the quietest on the railway and it’s the best time for us to do the major projects that will take longer than a night or a weekend to complete.

“That’s especially the case this year as we have some very big plans for improving the railway that will mean people may have to travel home on different routes after Christmas than the way they travelled out. 

“Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding and for planning ahead.”

RYANAIR has announced that it will be scrapping all its flights to another European destination.

From March 29, 2026, Ryanair will be axing all its flights to and from the Azores.

The airline has said that the cancellations are as a result of high airport fees.

This means the six routes that currently travel to the Azores, which works out to around 400,000 passengers each year, will be scrapped.

The airline also said that ATC charges have risen by 120 per cent since the Covid-19 pandemic and there has also been the introduction of a €2 (£1.76) travel tax.

Ryanair’s CCO Jason McGuinness said: “We are disappointed that the French airport monopoly ANA continues to raise Portuguese airport fees to line its pockets, at the expense of Portuguese tourism and jobs – particularly on the Portuguese islands.

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“As a direct result of these rising costs, we have been left with no alternative other than to cancel all Azores flights from 29 March 2026 onwards and relocate this capacity to lower cost airports elsewhere in the extensive Ryanair Group network across Europe.

“After 10 years of year-round Ryanair operations, one of Europe’s most remote regions will now lose direct low-fare flights to London, Brussels, Lisbon, and Porto due to ANA’s high airport fees and Portuguese Govt. inaction.”

The Azores are around 950 miles from Portugal itself and the islands offer a great short-haul holiday destination.

The nine volcanic islands are known for having unspoiled beauty, which includes vibrant green hills and black sandy beaches.

According to Azores Getaways, “just like Hawaii, the Azores offer visitors captivating coastlines dotted by sun-dappled beaches and stunning shores.

“But one major thing that visitors won’t find in this Portuguese paradise are throngs of tourists, crammed together and rivaling one another for a small patch of sand”.

Many of the islands have natural hot springs and thermal pools, which attract a lot of visitors.

The Azores are also ideal for people who love the outdoors, as you can go hiking in the forests, explore volcanic landscapes, swim in natural pools and even do a bit of whale and dolphin watching.

There are even a number of historic towns across the islands including Ponta Delgada, which has a number of buildings made from black and white volcanic stone.

One Sun reporter who visited the Azores said: “With its black beaches, hot springs and isolated spot in the Atlantic, the nine volcanic islands of the Azores make you feel as though you’ve stepped on to a movie set.

“We’d arrived on a speedy two-hour flight from Lisbon to the largest island in the archipelago, and gateway to the Azores, Sao Miguel, and every turn in our rental car looked picture-perfect.

“First we embarked on a kayak tour of the pea-green Furnas Lake, and snuck a peek at the 17th century mansions nestled on the quiet banks.

“Then, a quick drive up to the Pico do Ferro viewpoint rendered us speechless as we gazed down at the bubbling geysers below and the spectacular crater lake we had just navigated below.”

They added: “Many people are lured to the Azores for whale watching and the abundant marine life around the islands.

“With everything you could need to feast your eyes and your belly, it’s clear to see why it is often dubbed the Hawaii of Europe.

“Thankfully, it doesn’t come with a long-haul flight and pricey plane ticket.”

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RYANAIR has been banned from landing some flight routes at a European airport at certain times of the week.

The Airport Coordination Netherlands [ACNL], which apportions landings Eindhoven Airport, made the decision following a slew of late arrivals on Monday and Thursday evenings.

Flights hitting the runway from Sofia, Bulgaria and Pisa in Italy both consistently arrived an average of an hour late.

The official body have since cracked the whip, removing the budget airline’s slots.

“Ryanair is the most punctual airline in Europe. We have appealed this unprecedented, irrational and disproportionate decision by ACNL to the European Commission and the Dutch courts, where we expect it will be overturned,” a Ryanair spokesperson said.

The airline have pushed back against the decision and questioned the claims made by the ACNL.

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“ACNL are penalising airlines for ATC [air-traffic control] delays that push flights just 15 minutes over their scheduled arrival time which is completely out of whack with the vast majority of European airports where the threshold is much higher and more reasonable,’ the spokesperson added.

“Ryanair has long campaigned for ATC [air-traffic control] reform, but EU Commission President, Ursula von ‘Derlayed-Again’, has failed to take action.”

The Sun Online has reached out to Ryanair for comment.

GROUNDED

It comes just days after Ryanair announced they were set to scrap even more flights across Europe in 2026, and months following their decision to scratch two million seats across Spain.

Earlier this year, the budget airline said they would be cancelling all flights to three French airports –  Bergerac, Brive, and Strasbourg.

However, more are set to be axed, they have confirmed, affecting passengers in summer 2026.

Chief Commercial Officer Jason McGuinness told local media: “We will be leaving several regional airports in France this summer. 

“When you increase taxes by 180 per cent, it makes these airports unviable for us.”

The new taxes will see an extra €4.77 per flight ticket when it comes to short haul flights.

However, long haul flights will increase by €120 (£105). 

Which airports in France will be affected is yet to be confirmed.

Ryanair added that two million seats across Spain would be being scrapped.

This affects all flights to and from Tenerife North, Vigo, Santiago Valladolid and Jerez.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said at the time: “If the costs in regional Spain are too high, I will fly elsewhere.

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“We are better off flying at the same cost to places such as Palma [on the island of Mallorca] than flying to Jerez.”

The airport worst affected is Vigo, as the cancellations mean there are no longer any direct UK flights.

THOUSANDS of travellers are being warned to brace for major disruption this weekend as engineering works are set to cause significant delays at the UK’s busiest airport.

Heathrow, which is set to handle around 84 million passengers this year, has announced that major rail connections to and from the airport will be closed this weekend while essential maintenance work is carried out.

The disruption will affect travellers using the Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line on Saturday November 15 and Sunday November 15, prompting airport officials to advise passengers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

Heathrow Airport announced the closure on X, formerly Twitter, warning: “Due to planned engineering works, there will be no Heathrow Express or Elizabeth line train services to/from Heathrow on Sat 15 & Sun 16 November 2025.

“Piccadilly Line services to/from #Heathrow will be running as normal. Please plan your journey in advance as other services will be busier than normal.”

The engineering works are taking place between Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow Airport stations, and according to National Rail, “all lines” on the route will be closed during the two-day period.

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The National Rail website also states: “No trains to / from London Heathrow Airport from Saturday 15 to Sunday 16 November.”

This means that both the Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line will be completely out of service over the weekend, affecting thousands of passengers travelling to or from the airport.

Routes listed as affected include the Elizabeth line between Shenfield and Heathrow Airport and the Heathrow Express between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport.

To help travellers plan ahead, Heathrow has released the times of the final trains before the closures begin.

The last Heathrow Express service from Terminal 5 will leave at 11.57pm on Friday, while the final train from Terminals 2 and 3 will depart at 12.03am.

From London Paddington, the final Heathrow Express departs at 11.25pm.

As for the Elizabeth line, the final service to central London will depart Terminal 5 at 12.07am, Terminals 2 and 3 at 12.12am, and Terminal 4 at 11.37pm.

The last Elizabeth line train from Paddington will leave at 11.24pm.

Those travelling from Terminals 2 and 3 to Terminal 5 can catch the final Elizabeth line service at 11.37pm, while the last train from Terminal 4 to Terminals 2 and 3 departs at 11.52pm.

Despite the disruption, the Piccadilly line will continue to operate as normal, providing the only direct underground connection to Heathrow throughout the weekend.

Travellers are being urged to consider alternative routes, including TfL Rail replacement buses, coach services, and taxis, which are likely to experience increased demand.

A Heathrow spokesperson reminded passengers: “We encourage everyone travelling on 15 and 16 November to check before they travel and allow extra time for their journey.

“With trains not running, roads and alternative transport will be busier than usual.”

The works form part of ongoing infrastructure improvements aimed at maintaining safety and reliability on the network.

However, the timing has sparked frustration among passengers planning half-term holidays and weekend getaways.

Experts have also warned that disruption could spill over into Monday morning as services return to normal and trains are repositioned.

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For up-to-date travel information, passengers are being advised to check the Heathrow Express, Elizabeth line, and National Rail websites before setting off.

The Sun has approached Heathrow for comment.

OVER 1,700 flights have already been canceled across the country this weekend as officials warn Thanksgiving will be hit by travel chaos.

It comes as the US endures its longest government shutdown in history and federal aviation officials order 40 major airports to slash services due to staffing shortages.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has vowed on X to “keep the skies safe” by using every tactic at his disposal, which he said will see travelers increasingly hit with delays and cancelations.

On Friday he warned that even if the government shutdown ended now, Thanksgiving air travel would still be impacted.

“So if the government opens on Day 1, will I see an immediate response from controllers? No, the union is telling me it’s going to take time to get them all back in,” Duffy told CNN.

At the time of writing, the number of canceled flights for today alone already stands at 957, according to FlightAware, and at least 8,442 are delayed.

Sunday already has at least 838 flight cancelations and 213 delays.

Duffy confirmed in a joint statement with the Federal Aviation Administration on Friday that cuts to services will increase across this weekend and into next week.

“We are seeing signs of stress in the system, so we are proactively reducing the number of flights to make sure the American people continue to fly safely,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said.

“The FAA will continue to closely monitor operations, and we will not hesitate to take further action to make sure air travel remains safe.”

The statement noted a 4% cut in operations on Friday, “ramping up to 6% by November 11, 8% by November 13, and 10% by November 14”.

This percentage of cuts could rise to 15% or 20% if the government shutdown does not end “relatively soon,” Duffy warned when speaking to Fox News.

Major airlines have already tried to do damage control by announcing cancelations ahead of time.

On Friday, American Airlines told CNN it would cut 220 flights from its Saturday services.

United Airlines confirmed hundreds of cuts across the weekend through to Tuesday, and Southwest has axed approximately 100 flights on Saturday and 150 on Sunday.

Travelers caught up in the chaos have described the carnage awaiting them at the airports with people lying on floors and sleeping where they can while hoping to hear news of their flights.

Travelers should check with their airline for the latest updates on their flights.

Meanwhile, tourism officials are urging both Republicans and Democrats to end the stalemate that began on October 1 as they fear catastrophic economic blows.

Hawaii in particular is in danger of unique harm, officials have warned Duffy, as the islands are hit with the enforced cuts but with little alternative for health care, commerce, or security.

“We strongly urge federal leaders to reach an immediate resolution,” Hawaiian Airlines said while thanking the air traffic controllers and TSA officers keeping airports running without pay.

And officials in Las Vegas, which is already suffering from a tourism hole, have warned that the shutdown and airport cuts have happened at the worst possible time.

The U.S. Travel Association joined by MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, The Venetian, and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority wrote a letter urging Congress to take action now to end the shutdown.

They warned that the travel industry has already lost $4 billion and that the economic situation will only worsen as Americans and travelers from abroad rethink their trips.

Retailers are also preparing to feel the impact just as holiday season hits as supply chain officials warn that a large amount of cargo is carried on commercial flights.

“Forty percent to 50% of all air freight is shipped in the belly of passenger planes,” Patrick Penfield, a Syracuse University professor of supply chain practice told NBC News.

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“If you eliminate 10% of airline capacity, air freight prices will rise, and we could see delays in getting materials via air.”

The shutdown has entered its 38th day and no end is in sight after Senate Republicans rejected an offer by the Democrats on Friday to reopen with a health care deal.

A MASSIVE UK train station is set to shut for 9 days for a “once-in-a-lifetime overhaul”.

Network Rail are investing £8million in the upgrade in order to reduce future disruptions on train services.

Manchester Piccadilly train station is set to receive track and signalling upgrades in February next year.

The southern approach to station was built in the 1980s and upgrades to its critical stretch of track has been due for some time.

Network Rail explained that issues with its outdated infrastructure can disrupt all trains running in and out of Manchester.

This amounts to around 400,000 trains into the station every year.

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In a prior warning to passengers, they have advised that no trains from the south and east of the city will run into Manchester Piccadilly.

This will last for nine days over February half term (Saturday 14 – Sunday 22).

Some trains from across the north will also be impacted as well as direct connections to Manchester Airport station.

Services normally running to and from Manchester Piccadilly will terminate at other stations, including Stockport.

Platforms 1-12 will be closed but the concourse will remain open to the public.

There will be a limited service westbound from platforms 13 and 14.

More detailed information about alternate travel plans are to follow in due course.

Julien Dehornoy, Network Rail’s North West & Central deputy regional managing director, said: “We’re investing £7.9m in renewing the Piccadilly corridor, a stretch of track critical to the journeys of around 400,000 trains into Manchester every year.

“This work is going to significantly reduce disruption for the many passengers who regularly use this route.

“Once the job is done, we will have a better, more reliable railway. 

“The major overhaul over six railway lines can only take place during a full railway closure and we are working closely with train operators, TfGM and Manchester City Council on alternative travel plans to keep people on the move.

“The full details on which will be published in mid-November.” 

US airlines are experiencing severe delays and cancellations after the Trump administration ordered flight reductions at major airports across the country.

The order was made due to a shortage of air traffic controllers during the longest government shutdown in history.

As a result, there are expected to be thousands of flight delays and cancellations at short notice.

Airlines have estimated that around 3.2million travellers will be impacted due to the government shutdown.

What has happened?

On Wednesday, the US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ordered 10 per cent of flights to be cut, starting today, at 40 major US airports including Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.

Yesterday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revised this plan and said that airlines must cut four per cent of domestic flights starting at 6am today through to Monday.

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This will then rise to a 10 per cent cut by November 14.

It comes after the US government shut down on October 1 after the Republicans and Democrats could not agree to pass a bill on funding government services.

Air traffic controllers are employed by the FAA, which is part of the US government and as a result is one of the services impacted, with controllers expected to work without pay.

For American Airlines, this means 220 flights cancelled each day from today through to Monday.

Delta Air Lines announced that it would be cancelling 170 US flights due to fly today.

United Airlines then confirmed that it would have less than 200 daily flight cancellations.

During the government shutdown, 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security screeners have been forced to work without pay.

Before the shutdown, the FAA was already approximately 3,500 air traffic controllers short.

So what does this mean for British travellers?

The delays and cancellations aren’t impacting international flights, meaning for Brits travelling from the UK to America or vice-versa, they will not be impacted.

However there will be issues for Brits catching flights within America, including connecting flights.

For example, you could be on holiday in New York and decide to go to Boston – well, in this case your flight might be delayed or cancelled.

In addition, due to internal flights being delayed or cancelled, there may be reduced or congested service when flights land in America.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has warned: “There could be travel disruptions, including flight delays and longer queue times at some airports, due to the current US federal government shutdown.

“Check for messaging from your travel provider or airline and follow their guidance.

“There may also be restrictions on access to some federally-managed tourist attractions.

“Please check the relevant websites in advance.”

What should you do if you are in America and due to get an internal flight?

The Sun’s Head of Travel, Lisa Minot said: “Scenes of travel chaos as the US government shutdown enters its 38th day are always going to be a concern to travellers.

“While most flights to the United States with our traditional carriers are running ok at the moment, British passengers who have connecting flights in the States are right to worry they could be impacted.

“If the longest shutdown in US history continues, Brits should brace themselves for delays and longer queue times at airports across the country.

“But your passenger rights are very different depending on where you are flying to or from – and on which airline.

“If a flight from the UK to the US is delayed or cancelled, passengers should be flown to their destination as quickly as possible.

“If the delays are significant, your airline has a duty of care and should be providing you with food and drink and if necessary, overnight accommodation.

“If you are flying back to the UK on a British or European airline, the same rights apply.

“But, take a note of exactly WHO you are flying with.

“Some tickets bought from the likes of British Airways may be code-sharing flights with their partner American Airlines, the same applies for those who have bought Virgin Atlantic flights if the plane they are travelling on is owned by Delta, their code-share partner.

“If you are flying on an American or Delta plane and there are significant delays or cancellations, the same passenger rights do NOT apply.

“The best advice is to check exactly who you are flying with and make sure you check with your airline regularly in the run up to your flight.”

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In other air travel news, a UK airline goes into administration after 28 years – after axing ALL flights.

Plus, airlines are now banning Bluetooth earbuds from going in checked luggage.

THE UK regional airline Eastern Airways has officially gone into administration.

Last week, the regional airline made 330 staff redundant after the airline filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator on October 27.

Having launched in 1997, Eastern Airways was one of the UK’s remaining regional airlines, with services across England and Scotland and in the past, even offered flights to Europe.

Jamie Miller, partner at RSM UK and joint administrator, said: “It is extremely sad that such a long established and historically successful independent airline, one of the few remaining in the UK, has had to enter administration.

“The unexpected and sudden termination of Eastern’s KLM contract, along with other economic factors, unfortunately left the directors with no choice but to appoint administrators.”

RSM explained that Eastern Airways was operating four aircraft for KLM Cityhopper in Europe.

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However, when the contract was terminated it meant that Eastern experienced “high fixed overheads and a staff base that has ultimately proved too high to be sustainable”.

Miller added: “At its peak, Eastern was an award-winning airline providing 200 flights per day.

“Its passengers included Queen Elizabeth and other members of the Royal Family, as well as Prime Ministers, Premier League Football Clubs and Formula 1 Teams and management.

“They also provided valuable services on public service obligation (PSO) routes and supported energy critical services to the oil and gas sector.”

Regional routes across the UK included Wick and Aberdeen in Scotland, and then Humberside, Teesside International, London Gatwick and Newquay.

But the airline also used to fly to Gibraltar and Paris Orly in France.

Miller said: “We would welcome any interest from potential alternative operators, or those who may have an interest in the underlying assets.”

For the 12 months to March 2024, Eastern Airways reported a net loss of £19.7million, which was £4.8million higher than 2023.

This meant that the company’s total debt rose to £25.97million.

At the time of the announcement, Selina Chadha, consumer & markets director at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Eastern Airways flights are cancelled.

“Eastern Airways customers should visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website for the latest information.”

Eastern Airways isn’t the only airline that went bust this year.

In September, Play Airlines announced that it would be ceasing operations with all flights cancelled.

The airline flew to a number of different European destinations including London Stansted, Amsterdam, Paris and Faro.

And last year, Spirit Airlines – a US low-cost carrier – also filed for bankruptcy.

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In other air travel news, a major airline with bunk beds onboard reveals plans to relaunch UK flights for the first time in five years.

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MORE than 800 flights across the US have already been canceled as millions of travelers brace for even more chaos. 

Airlines have frantically cut routes after federal officials ordered 40 major airports to slash capacity. 

It comes as US vice president JD Vance warned the country faces an “aviation emergency.”

“The shutdown has now passed from farce into tragedy, and the consequences of this national emergency fall on every senator and congressman who refuses to open the government,” he railed.

The total number of canceled flights now stands at more than 800, according to FlightAware.

Dozens of flights originating out of Chicago airport, Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, Denver and Fort-Worth have been axed.

Forty flights departing Chicago have been axed, and 38 from Atlanta.

Southwest has canceled more than 120 flights, which is 3% of its total, while United has cut 2%.

At least 20 flights heading out of Los Angeles, Newark, and San Francisco have also been culled.

More than 1,200 flights are experiencing some form of delays.

Five percent of flights leaving JFK airport and Chicago are delayed.

Passengers arriving into Newark were met with three hour delays on Thursday night.

One airport worker told The New York Post the situation on Friday will be a nightmare.

“Tomorrow, the FAA will just shut down. Get out while you can,” they warned.

Federal officials have warned how the current shutdown is unprecedented.

“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had a situation where we’re taking these kinds of measures,” Bryan Bedford, the FAA administrator, said.

“Then again, we’re in new territory in terms of government shutdowns.

The current shutdown is the longest in US political history.

It surpassed the 2018-19 federal government closure, which Donald Trump also presided over, in terms of length.

FAA officials ordered a slew of airports to reduce capacity.

This is part of a bid to keep the skies safe while there is a shortage of air traffic control workers.

Air traffic controllers have gone without a full months pay because of the shutdown.

Airports on the FAA’s list include major hubs such as Los Angeles International, Orlando, New York’s JFK airport, and Miami.

San Francisco and Oakland airports are also on the list of hubs ordered to cut capacity by 10%.

Earlier this week, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Americans that air travel would need to be reduced to prevent any casualties.

“We will restrict the airspace when we feel it’s not safe, if we don’t have enough controllers to effectively and safely manage our skies,” he said.

Airlines have responded to the FAA’s order.

Scott Kirby, the CEO of United, revealed schedules will be updated on a rolling basis.

The airline’s international flights are not impacted by the restrictions.

He revealed travelers can apply for a refund even if their flight isn’t delayed or canceled.

He expects the carrier to still offer around 4,000 flights a day despite the restrictions.

Southwest Airlines has said it will rebook impacted customers.

And, American will liaise with travelers about new flights if they are impacted.

Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, lawmakers are working to end the shutdown.

Senate Democrats have voted 14 times not to reopen the government.

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But, Senate Republicans want to bring forward new funding bills that will see the government reopen.

One bill top GOP lawmaker John Thune is proposing would see programs funded until December or January.