Published May 30, 2026 9:10am
Updated May 30, 2026 3:26pm
Passengers faced major travel disruption between central London and Heathrow Airport after a burst water main flooded the signalling system.
The UK’s busiest airport was left without any rail or Tube service after the burst pipe incident and planned engineering works.
There were no Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express services between Paddington and Heathrow terminals for hours after flooding led to a signalling meltdown.
Meanwhile, the Piccadilly line is suspended between Heathrow and Acton Town for planned works taking place this weekend.
Passengers faced arduous journeys to the airport because the only public transport option available was the bus.
One person said on X: ‘Got through Heathrow quickly, great straight onto the Elizabeth line…. Nope, line is flooded. It’s two buses and a train instead.’
The flooding happened between Paddington and Heathrow after a burst water main, blocking all lines and submerging the signalling system, National Rail said.
The tracks have now reopened and services are expected to resume back to normal soon.
Another frustrated traveller said: ‘No Piccadilly line to terminal 5. No Elizabeth line to terminal 5 due to flooding??? Waiting for a bus that doesn’t seem to arrive. People will miss their flights! Sort this out!’
A Network Rail spokesperson told Metro: ‘The railway line to Heathrow Airport has reopened following an earlier problem with the signalling system caused by a leaking water pipe.
‘Heathrow infrastructure maintenance teams have isolated the leak and trains are able to run again
‘While we work to restore the timetable, trains may still be cancelled or revised. Passengers are therefore advised to check National Rail Enquiries for the latest travel information.’
What other Heathrow travel options are available?
The main affordable option to reach the airport is buses, while taxis and private hires are also available as normal, but will cost more.
People with Heathrow Express tickets can use them on Great Western Railway (GWR) services on any reasonable route.
The nearest railway stations to Heathrow with GWR services are Hayes & Harlington, West Drayton and Southall stations.
How to travel to and from Heathrow Airport by bus
From London Paddington to Heathrow
- 27 bus to Hammersmith Broadway (stop F)
- 702 bus to High Street Langley (from SC)
- 703 bus to Heathrow Terminal 5
From Ealing
- SL8 bus to The Greenway (stop K)
- 724 to Heathrow Airport
From Hayes & Harlington
- 278/SL9 from station approach (stop E)
Travelling from Heathrow to central London
The following buses from all Heathrow Terminals:
- 285 → Feltham / Heathrow area
- 423 → local routes
- X26 → Croydon (via Kingston)
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