Heathrow Airport was completely cut off from all train connections on Saturday morning following a burst water main that triggered signalling problems. The Heathrow Express and Elizabeth Line experienced no service for much of the morning, while the Piccadilly Line was already suspended from the airport due to planned engineering works.
Services Resume with Delays
Both affected train services have now reopened, though passengers on the Heathrow Express face delays of up to 15 minutes and cancellations. Transport for London (TfL) confirmed that the Elizabeth Line is now running a good service. However, there remains no service between Acton Town and all Heathrow terminals on the Piccadilly Line because of the planned works, with rail replacement buses in operation.
Apology from National Rail
National Rail apologised for the 'major disruption', explaining that a burst water main near the airport caused a 'fault with the signalling system'. At 12:20 pm, Heathrow Airport's X account posted a statement saying: '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.'
Background on Heathrow Express
The Heathrow Express, which opened in 1998, runs between the airport and London Paddington station with 150 trains per day. Around 17,000 passengers take the journey daily, which takes 15 minutes to terminals two and three and 21 minutes to terminal five. The operator warned that disruption following the signalling problems could continue for the rest of the day.
Heathrow is the UK's busiest airport, with a record 84 million passengers passing through last year.
