Heathrow, Gatwick and more UK airports have issued a warning for passengers travelling this week, as tens of thousands of rail workers across the country go on strike.
Workers including drivers, conductors and other rail staff have launched a three-day set of strikes to push for more pay and better conditions. The action is bringing large chunks of the train network to a standstill.
The knock-on effect of the industrial action will be felt throughout the country, with many people heading off on late summer holidays from airports likely to be caught up in the disruption.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) and Unite will be involved in the industrial action, after ongoing talks failed to break the deadlocked rows.
Gatwick has warned that the strikes will have an impact on those trying to get to the airport today.
"Due to industrial action, limited trains will serve Gatwick Airport on August 18 and 20, with disruption likely on 19 August due to displaced trains and crew," a Gatwick spokesperson said.
"On the strike days (August 18 and 20), a limited number of trains will run between Gatwick and London, and Gatwick and Brighton from 7am to 7pm only, with no service outside of these hours.
"We strongly advise passengers travelling to and from Gatwick Airport to use other transport options where possible and allow extra time to reach the airport."
Heathrow has also warned about reduced services affecting air passengers.
"Due to planned industrial action, public transport to and from Heathrow will be disrupted from 18 August - 21 August," the company's website reads.
"Please plan your journey in advance and ensure you leave enough time to get to the airport as roads may be busier than normal.
"In addition, due to engineering works on the A4 in west London, only one lane will be open which may cause traffic disruption for passengers travelling by road out of west London to Heathrow."
The Heathrow Express will not be running from 6:10pm this evening until tomorrow morning at 7am, and on August 20, trains won't run before 7am or after 6:10pm.
Anyone heading to the airport late tonight or early tomorrow morning will have to find alternative routes.
Meanwhile the Stansted Express is being hit by "severe disruption", with people urged to "avoid travelling with them" today, as well as over the entire weekend due to both strikes and engineering works.
"There will be no direct trains from Stansted Airport to and from London Liverpool Street on various dates in August due to engineering works and strike action," the rail line's website reads.
"Please use alternative transport and avoid travelling by train."
Manchester Airport has said the following services are likely to run, but are limited and subject to late changes.
- Northern – Manchester Oxford Road to/ from Alderley Edge, calling at Manchester Airport
- Northern – Liverpool Lime Street to/ from Alderley Edge, calling at Manchester Airport
- TPE – Preston to/from Manchester Airport
Meanwhile strikes on the Thameslink rail service will impact London Luton passengers, with the airport warning: "There will be significantly reduced services, and knock-on disruption, including a later start to services on the days after.
"Please check your journey before you travel and make alternative arrangements if possible."
