Trains were unable to stop at Gatwick Airport due to an emergency. Disruption was initially expected until 3pm on Monday (January 6) as emergency services responded to an incident at Gatwick.

It meant that no trains could call at Gatwick Airport and Gatwick Express services were suspended. Tickets were being accepted at no extra cost on the Metrobus on any reasonable route between Redhill, Gatwick and Horsham.

Passengers stuck on trains between stations were advised to remain where they were and listen to announcements, or speak to staff for further information.

Key Events

KEY EVENT

All trains now running as normal

National Rail says disruption to train services through Gatwick Airport has now ended

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Lorna Hughes

Passengers warned to allow extra time for journeys tonight

National Rail says passengers travelling to or from Gatwick Airport should allow 'at least an extra 30 minutes' to complete their journey

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Lorna Hughes

Update on train journeys as Gatwick Express services resume

National Rail says Gatwick Express services are about to resume this evening. It has issued this update:

  • Gatwick Express services that run between London Victoria and Brighton have now been reintroduced. The first services to run will be the 17:59 London Victoria to Brighton, and the 17:39 Brighton to London Victoria

  • There will be a reduced Thameslink service between Bedford and Three Bridges

  • Thameslink services that run between Horsham and Peterborough will be making additional stops at Earlswood and Salfords

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KEY EVENT

Passengers warned trains may be 'delayed by up to 45 minutes'

Network Rail says that although lines have now reopened, trains may be delayed by up to 45 minutes:

Lines have now reopened following emergency services dealing with an incident at Gatwick Airport. However, whilst service recovers, trains may be delayed by up to 45 minutes or cancelled.


Disruption is expected until 21:00.

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KEY EVENT

Disruption now expected until 9pm

Passengers have been warned that disruption to train services running to and through Gatwick Airport is now expected until 9pm

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Victoria Shipp

Update on train journeys

National Rail have outlined the following changed to services:

  • Gatwick Express services that run between London Victoria and Brighton are suspended
  • There will be a reduced Thameslink service between Bedford and Three Bridges
  • Thameslink services that run between Horsham and Peterborough will be making additional stops at Earlswood and Salfords
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Victoria Shipp

Delays until 6pm

National rail have announced that lines have now reopened at Gatwick Airport, but trains may be delayed by up to 45 minutes or cancelled. This disruption is expected until 18:00, so it is important to allow extra time for travel.

Gatwick Express services are still suspended and there is a reduced service between Bedford and Three Bridges

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KEY EVENT

Train station re-opens

The train station at Gatwick airport has now reopened for arriving and departing passengers, though delays may continue due to the earlier disruption. Gatwick airport has thanked passengers for their patience and to the emergency services for their quick response.

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Victoria Shipp

What to do if you are stuck on a train?

National Rail have issued some advice for you are still on a train:

"If your train is delayed between stations, please remain where you are and listen to announcements, or speak to staff for further information. Staff will get you moving as soon as possible. They are aware of your location, and teams will be doing everything they can to help you continue your journey.

Please don't leave the train unless you are asked to do so. Other trains may still be moving in the area, and the track is also a very hazardous environment. In areas where the trains are powered by an electric third rail, this usually stays live and dangerous during incidents, and looks the same as other rails."

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Victoria Shipp

Where will my ticket be accepted?

Due to the disruption tickets will be accepted on the following routes, without any extra charge:

  • Metrobus on any reasonable route between Redhill, Gatwick and Horsham:

  • If you need to travel between Gatwick Airport and Horley, use the below Metrobus routes- 20, 424, 422, 100

  • If you need to travel between Gatwick and Three Bridges, use the below Metrobus routes - 3, 4, 5, 100

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Victoria Shipp

Which trains are running?

Network Rail have issued an update on which services have been affected by the fire alarm at Gatwick Airport:

  • Gatwick Express services are suspended.
  • There will be a reduced service between Bedford and Three Bridges.
  • All trains running through the area will call additionally at Horley and/or Three Bridges.

There has also been a request for rail replacement buses

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KEY EVENT

Passengers evacuated due to fire alarm

A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport has given an update on the incident. They said:

"Due to a fire alarm activation at the train station, passengers have been evacuated into the South Terminal. The station is closed while emergency services respond to the incident. Teams are responding to the situation and passengers are advised to check before travelling. We will update further when we can."

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KEY EVENT

Gatwick Express services suspended

Gatwick Express services have been suspended and will not run until and will not run until further notice. Passengers will need to use Southern/Thameslink to Horley/Three Bridges and use local buses to complete their journeys. Ticket will be accepted on Metrobus services between Horsham/Gatwick and Redhill.

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