Passengers travelling through London’s Heathrow Airport are being warned to expect delays after a burst water pipe caused flooding around the central terminal area, cutting off road access to Terminals 2 and 3.
The disruption could affect travellers arriving at, departing from or collecting passengers from the terminals, with the airport advising people to avoid using roads around Terminals 2 and 3 and opt for rail and Tube services instead.
The flooding has also affected access to terminal car parks, meaning some passengers who left their vehicles at the airport may be unable to reach them by road.
Airport begins repairs
Heathrow said the leaking pipe has been isolated and repair work is underway.
The airport apologized to passengers for the disruption and said teams were working to restore normal access as quickly as possible.
The incident comes during the UK summer school holidays, traditionally one of the busiest periods for air travel.
Heathrow recorded its busiest day of the year so far on July 19, when more than 267,000 passengers passed through the airport.
Travellers advised to plan ahead
Passengers heading to Terminals 2 and 3 have been advised to allow extra time for their journeys and use public transport wherever possible.
Those travelling by car should pay particular attention to the latest access restrictions, as roads leading to the affected terminals remain unavailable.
Passengers who need to collect relatives or friends from the airport should also check the latest arrangements before setting out.
The disruption could be particularly challenging for travellers with disabilities or passengers requiring assistance.
In response to one passenger who said they needed to collect a daughter with special needs from Terminal 3, Heathrow advised that Terminal 3 could not currently be accessed by road. The airport suggested using parking facilities at Terminals 4 or 5 and transferring to Terminal 3, where assistance staff are available.
What passengers should do
Travellers affected by the disruption are being advised to:
- Avoid driving to Terminals 2 and 3 until road access is restored.
- Use rail or Tube services where possible.
- Allow additional time for journeys to the airport.
- Contact their airline immediately if they believe the disruption could cause them to miss a flight.
- Contact airport parking providers if an existing parking booking can no longer be used.
- Check travel insurance policies for possible cover for additional travel expenses or missed flights.
Consumer group Which? also urged passengers not to make unnecessary journeys to the airport and to check their airlines’ policies regarding missed flights, rebooking and refunds.
Heathrow is one of the world’s busiest airports, handling up to 1,300 aircraft movements a day, so even a temporary access problem can affect large numbers of travellers.
For Nigerians travelling to or through London, the disruption is particularly worth noting because Heathrow is a major gateway for flights between the UK and Nigeria. Passengers with connecting flights or family members arriving at Terminals 2 or 3 should check the airport’s latest travel advice before leaving for the airport.
