Passengers planning to use Gatwick this weekend are being urged to avoid public transport due to national rail strikes.
The airport’s warning compounds disruption caused by flash floods as storms struck the area on Wednesday afternoon leaving many flights either delayed or cancelled altogether.
EasyJet, British Airways, Vueling and Wizz Air were among airlines affected.
A handful of early morning EasyJet flights were delayed today to destinations such as Agadir, Amsterdam, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Faro, Figari, Izmir, Mahon, Rome and Verona.
Only a limited rail service will operate to and from the airport’s train station today (Thursday) and Saturday.
Further disruption will also be likely tomorrow and on Sunday due to displaced trains and crew.
Only 20% of national rail services are expected to run on Thursday and Saturday as 45,000 rail workers walkout in a dispute over pay and terms, including those operating the Gatwick Express.
RMT and TSSA union members at Network Rail and 11 train operators are taking industrial action in the dispute. The action includes staff working in ticket offices, stations, control rooms, engineering, as well as planning, timetabling and other support roles.
Both the London Underground and Overground will be affected on Friday in a separate dispute over pensions and pay.
An airport statement warning of rail disruption said: “Due to a national rail strike, a limited service will operate to and from Gatwick airport’s train station on 18 and 20 August.
“We strongly advise you to avoid using public transport to get to and from the airport – and arrange private transport if at all possible. Allow extra time for your journey.
“Only a very limited number of trains will run between Gatwick airport and London, and Gatwick airport and Brighton between 0700 and 1900 on these days, with no service outside of these hours.”
Alternative methods of transport will be “busier than usual”, with car users urged to book airport car parking in advance. The number of car parking spaces available has been increased to cope with the expected rise in demand.
“If you are planning to use and off-airport meet and greet service, you should check that they have a good reputation on Trustpilot, Trip Advisor or any other reliable means,” Gatwick advised.
Local bus services are provided by Metrobus, while long distance services to the airport are provided by National Express and The Airline from the Oxford Bus Company, which also connects to Heathrow.
Meanwhile, the Stansted Express is advising people to expect severe disruption as rail strikes are set to heavily reduce train services.
Passengers using Manchester airport are being advised to use alternative travel methods.
“However, those travelling on the strike date and the days either side of the strike dates, are advised to check the status of their service before arriving at the station, plan ahead, to expect disruption and for services to be busier than normal. Services will be busy and could be cancelled last minute,” the airport said. “No replacement transport will be provided. Please allow more time for your journey or make alternative travel arrangements.”
Heathrow said: “Due to industrial action between 18-21 August, there will be some disruption to rail and bus services to and from Heathrow. When planning your journey, make sure you leave enough time to get to the airport as roads may be busier than normal.”