Rail passengers were left stranded at Gatwick Airport after the discovery of sink holes caused train lines to be suddenly halted.
Network Rail said engineers were carrying out planned engineering work on the lines outside Purley, when they came across several sinkholes requiring "urgent repairs".
The rail operator added that all lines between Purley and East Croydon were immediately shut down to protect passenger safety, ahead of an inspection from a structural engineer.
Network Rail stated: “Sink holes were spotted on the bridge, meaning that ballast, the stones that the track sits on, was falling through the gap, making the track unstable. We've since carried out a thorough inspection of the bridge and are working to safely plug the gaps so that trains can safely run again.”
Following the discovery of sinkholes on a bridge outside of Purley, we had to close the railway between Purley and East Croydon, affecting journeys to Gatwick Airport
— Network Rail Kent & Sussex (@NetworkRailSE) June 14, 2026
Sink holes were spotted on the bridge, meaning that ballast, the stones that the track sits on, was falling… pic.twitter.com/lBAA45PG8E
The sudden closure of Sunday services from London to Gatwick Airport and Brighton caused havoc for thousands of rail passengers.
Among the disconnected rail lines was the Gatwick Express, which was not expected to resume service until Monday morning.
A spokesman for Gatwick Airport stated: "There are currently no trains running between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria or London Bridge due to blocked rail lines at Purley.
"Passengers travelling to the airport are advised to consider alternative routes and allow extra time for their journey.
Avoid Gatwick Airport (if possible) totally gridlocked due to a Railway Subsidence/Sinkhole causing thousands of cars to attend the airport, police dealing #gatwick @SussexTW pic.twitter.com/gFw69K6wDT
— eddie mitchell (@brightonsnapper) June 14, 2026
"Due to high demand, passengers at the airport may experience longer waiting times for rail replacement services, and we appreciate your patience while alternative transport is in place."
The rail disruption had a knock-on effect upon roads around the airport, with drivers warning of a gridlock as hundreds of vehicles attempt to drop off passengers.
Rail stations with no service included Reedham, Coulsdon Town, Woodmansterne, Chipstead , Kingswood, Tadworth and Tattenham Corner.
Network Rail urged passengers not to travel if possible, although tickets will be accepted on a number of alternative routes.
The operated added: "We're sorry to passengers who have been impacted by this and we're working to safely open the railway as quickly as possible."
Southern Railway announced there were no services between Purley and East Croydon and also advised customers to avoid travelling.
In a post on X, Southern Railway stated: "If you are travelling from London towards Brighton or a station between Brighton and Gatwick Airport/on the south coast ... we advise you use one of the 2 following options.
"From Waterloo you can travel to Havant with South Western Railway. Change there for coast services.
"From Charing Cross, you can travel to Hastings on Southeastern. Change there for coast services.
"If you are travelling from the Brighton area towards London, do the opposite of this."
National Rail announced at around 2.20am on Monday that services were running normally again following “urgent repairs”.
