Latest news with #travelDisruption
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Travel chaos at Euston station with trains axed after derailment – as passengers face long delays
TRAVEL chaos has been caused at Euston station after a train derailment, with passengers to face long delays to journeys today. The train derailed at "low speed" near Milton Keynes in Bletchley today. 1 Commuters can expect significant travel days of around 90 minutes through London Euston Station. No passengers were on the train and no injuries have been reported, according to London Northwestern Rail. National Rail warn a major disruptions are expected until the end of the day, as some lines have been closed. In a statement on their website, the train provider said: "Trains running through this station may be cancelled, delayed by up to 90 minutes or revised." Several trains are experiencing delays of over 90 minutes since the incident occurred. These include trains to Manchester Picadilly, Glasgow Central, Chester, Edinburgh, and Liverpool Lime Street. Avanti West Coast said people may use their ticket on the following services: Chiltern Railways between London Marylebone and Birmingham Moor Street CrossCountry between Reading and Edinburgh (via Birmingham New Street) East Midlands Railway between London St Pancras International and Sheffield / Derby, and between Sheffield and Manchester Piccadilly / Liverpool Lime St (via Stockport) LNER between London King's Cross and Edinburgh TransPennine Express between Preston and Manchester Piccadilly / Glasgow Central / Edinburgh, and between Manchester Piccadilly and Leeds London Northwestern Railway between Rugby and Crewe / Liverpool Lime Street (via Nuneaton or Birmingham New Street), and between Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent Northern between Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent / Crewe, both directions until the end of the day, and also between Carlisle and Newcastle, in both directions until further notice ScotRail between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh in both directions until further notice London Northwestern Railway said its customers can use their tickets on the following routes:
The National
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
'Most intense flight ever': UAE residents reflect on Gulf airspace closure
UAE residents have reflected on a night of major travel disruption after several flights were rerouted following Iran's thwarted attack on Qatar's US airbase at Al Udeid. Dozens of planes heading for Doha were rerouted, with Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dammam and Dubai among the affected destinations, as Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait closed their respective airspace. A passenger on board an Emirates flight from San Francisco to Dubai on Monday evening described the moment the plane he was on had to be rerouted in mid-air. He said the 15-hour journey turned into a near 19-hour ordeal imbued with confusion, speculation and visible panic among passengers. Tense situation Fakhr-e-Alam, a Pakistani singer, actor and licensed pilot who has lived in Dubai for 21 years, was on Flight EK226, an A380 passenger jet, when the situation unfolded. 'Everything was fine,' he told The National. "I was monitoring the flight status on the in-flight TV and saw 50 minutes to destination, so I started to prepare for landing. 'A few minutes later I heard the engines spooled up and since I am a pilot myself, I found that odd because we were close to Dubai and should have been in a descent.' He noticed the estimated arrival time on the in-flight map had jumped from 50 minutes to nearly two more hours. 'Since I was connected online, I immediately scanned the news feeds and X to find out Qatar had closed its airspace," he said. "I had another friend of mine on a different seat, so I went and told him the situation was tense.' The two made their way to the aircraft's lounge to speak to the cabin crew. 'The crew was extremely calm and very professional. They said they would let us know when they heard from the captain.' As the plane began circling over Riyadh, passengers were left guessing what would happen next. Mr Alam, who remained online and in touch with some of his aviation contacts, tried to gather more information as the regional crisis escalated. 'Then the captain came over the PA and informed us we were awaiting instructions from the company. He sounded very reassuring.' Meanwhile, passengers began watching news broadcasts on the in-flight screens, showing the attacks unfolding. 'The news was not pretty, as one airspace after another was closing down," Mr Alam added. "All passengers were watching these events on the screens in horror and shock.' He described emotional scenes in the cabin. 'A mother held her infant tightly and had tears running from her eyes. An American couple were extremely worried and emotional.' Mr Alam said he was increasingly concerned about fuel levels, given the long-haul nature of the flight and the additional time already spent in the air. After several hours of circling and mounting speculation, the crew announced that a new air corridor had opened and Dubai International Airport had resumed operations. 'So after another hour and 20 minutes, I saw the Dubai skyline and lights, and we landed safely,' he said. Mr Alam said the professionalism of the Emirates crew and calm response of the UAE authorities helped to manage what could have turned into a far more chaotic situation. 'Imagine flying 15 hours from the other side of the planet and just before landing you are diverted without any clarity as to what happens next, and stay up in the air for almost four extra hours. 'I am a frequent flyer and have been for over two decades. This was by far was the most intense flight I have ever experienced.' Keeping families apart Faisal Al Mutairi, a Saudi-American business owner who has lived in Dubai for 10 years, reflected on the disappointment he felt in finding out he would not be reunited with his wife and family. "I had just taken off from Berlin, heading to Dubai," he said. "I didn't know it happened but for a couple of hours I had been trying to get internet on board, as I wanted to see if something was happening, but it wasn't working. "Then the pilot told us, just as we were reaching Turkey, that we were turning back to Berlin and there had been an issue at the airport. I was so upset, as I was going back home to my wife and two kids. It was such a stressful moment not knowing what was happening, what was going to happen and not being able to be there to protect my family." Mr Al Mutairi had to make his way back into the city of Berlin at midnight and find a hotel, because the airline office had closed by the time his flight landed. "Now I have a flight booked to come back to Dubai this evening but at this point I've no idea if it will be cancelled or if we'll turn back mid-air again. Hopefully it won't come to that." Looking ahead Omar Abduljabar, 43, from Iraq, told The National he had been planning a visit to Istanbul next week with his family but is now thinking about cancelling. 'After the closing of airspace in some countries and the tension in the area, I'm rethinking to cancel the trip,' Mr Abduljabar said. He had been hoping to enjoy a 10-day holiday with his wife and two children, before returning back to his government job in Dubai. 'I'm afraid about something happening, then I couldn't return to Dubai,' he added. "I've heard stories about people getting stuck in different countries in the last 12 days because of the war. 'I emailed the airline to see if I could cancel the tickets or maybe push my flights to the end of July, until things are clearer.' Iran's attempt to attack the US's Al Udeid base - in pictures
Arabian Business
4 days ago
- Arabian Business
UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman flight delays as airspace closures cause travel disruption at Gulf airports
Airlines, airports and aviation authorities in the UAE and across the GCC announced travel disruption amid temporary airspace closures and rescheduled flights. The UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain all saw temporary closures of airspace following a targeted rocket of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. As Governments closed airspace, some airlines announced suspended flights to and from the UAE, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain. UAE airport updates Airports across the UAE advised passengers to check with airlines to confirm flights after temporary pauses to travel. In a statement Dubai Airports said it had 'resumed full operations at its airports in the emirate following a temporary precautionary pause. The safety and wellbeing of all travellers and aviation staff remain the highest priority. Dubai Airports has resumed full operations at its airports in the emirate following a temporary precautionary pause. The safety and wellbeing of all travellers and aviation staff remain the highest priority. While Dubai Airports is working with airlines to ensure flights operate… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 23, 2025 'While Dubai Airports is working with airlines to ensure flights operate according to schedule, some flights may experience delays or cancellations. Travellers are advised to stay informed by checking regularly with their airlines for the latest updates'. Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi said: 'The safety of our travellers is our foremost priority. As of June 24, 2025, in light of current events and flight disruptions, Abu Dhabi Airports advises all passengers to check with their airlines before heading to the airport'. #تنويه #مطار_الشارقة #الشارقة #الإمارات #السفر #حول_العالم #SharjahAirport #Sharjah #UAE #travel #aroundtheglobe #Announcement — مطار الشارقة (@sharjahairport) June 23, 2025 Sharjah Airport took to social media to tell passangers: 'Sharjah Airport advises all passengers to stay up to date on the latest flight information, as a number of flights have been cancelled or delayed today due to airspace closures in certain areas. 'We strongly encourage passengers to contact airlines directly to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport'. Dubai carrier Emirates said it had rerouted several flights enroute to the UAE. It said: 'Due to the recent regional situation, a number of Emirates flights were rerouted enroute to Dubai on June 23, but there were no diversions. 'After a thorough and careful risk assessment, Emirates will continue to operate flights as scheduled, using flight paths well distanced from conflict areas. 'Some flights may incur delays due to longer re‑routings or airspace congestion, but Emirates' teams are working hard to keep to schedule and minimise any disruption or inconvenience to our customers'. Earlier, Emirates shared an updated list of suspended flights on its website. In an official statement, it said: 'Due to the regional situation, Emirates has temporarily suspended all flights to: Iran (Tehran) and Iraq (Baghdad and Basra), until and including Monday 30 June 2025 'We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers. We continue to closely monitor developments. The safety of our passengers, employees and operations will always be our top priority'. Etihad has suspended flights to Tel Aviv, Israel until July 15 and cancelled selected flights in the region. In a statement, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier said: 'Etihad has suspended all flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Tel Aviv (TLV) until and including 15 July. 'Guests transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled flights will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin. Impacted guests are being assisted with alternative travel arrangements. 'This remains a highly dynamic situation, and further changes or disruption, including sudden airspace closures or operational impact, may occur at short notice. Etihad continues to monitor developments closely in coordination with the relevant authorities and is taking all necessary precautions'. The Abu Dhabi carrier also announced the following flights were cancelled: EY651 on June 24 from Abu Dhabi to Kuwait and EY652 from Kuwait to Abu Dhabi EY663 on June 24 from Abu Dhabi to Doha and EY664 from Doha to Abu Dhabi EY575 on June 24 from Abu Dhabi to Dammam and EY576 from Dammam to Abu Dhabi EY690 on June 24 from Abu Dhabi to Muscat and EY691 from Muscat Air Arabia has seen major disruption to flights to and from Sharjah. The airline's latest advisory said: 'Due to the escalating situation and airspace closures across the region, some flights may experience disruptions. 'Customers are advised to check their flight status for the latest updates prior to heading to the airport. Affected passengers will be notified directly via SMS and email. Air Arabia remains fully committed to the safety of our customers and crew, and we continue to closely monitor the situation'. Air Arabia has temporarily suspended all flights to and from the following countries, as follows: Iran: Until and including Monday, June 30 Iraq: Until and including Monday, June 30 Russia: Until and including Monday, June 30 Armenia: Until and including Monday, June 30 Georgia: Until and including Monday, June 30 Azerbaijan: Until and including Monday, June 30 Jordan: Until and including Thursday, June 26 UAE-carrier flydubai shared an updated list of suspended flights. As of July 23, flydubai said: 'Due to the current situation and the closure of certain airspace corridors, flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from the following countries and airports until June 30: Iran Iraq Israel Syria St. Petersburg 'Passengers connecting through Dubai with final destinations in any of the above countries or airports will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice. 'Passengers departing from or arriving at Dubai International Airport (DXB) are encouraged to check their flight status on for the latest updates. Please note that some other flights may be subject to delays or rerouting. 'We apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding. flydubai continues to monitor the situation closely, the safety of our passengers, crew, and operations remains our highest priority'. Qatar shuts then reopens airspace As part of Qatar's commitment to the safety of its citizens, residents, and visitors, the relevant authorities announced a temporary suspension of air traffic in the country's airspace. It came as part of a series of precautionary measures taken in response to recent developments in the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised in a statement Monday that official authorities are closely and continuously monitoring the situation, assessing developments in coordination with regional and international partners, and will provide the public with updated information in a timely manner through official channels. The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority later announced the resumption of air traffic in the airspace of the State of Qatar and the return of the atmosphere to normal, after taking the necessary measures in coordination with the relevant authorities. Accordingly, Qatar Airways announced a short halt to flights in and out of the country. After resuming flights, the national carrier said: 'Qatar Airways confirms the re-opening of airspace in the State of Qatar. 'We are working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support any passengers that have been impacted, and will resume operations as quickly as possible. 'As usual operations resume, we anticipate significant delays to our flight schedule. We would advise passengers to check or the Qatar Airways mobile application ahead of travel. 'The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority'. Kuwait shuts then reopens airspace Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced a temporary closure of Kuwaiti airspace as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and security of the country. After the short closure, the DGCA then announced the re-opening of Kuwaiti airspace and resumption of air traffic to and from Kuwait International Airport. In a press release, the DGCA said the move came in collaboration with Kuwaiti relevant bodies and in continued cooperation with concerned regional and international agencies and following the stabilization of the surrounding situation. The DGCA added that the decision also reflects its keenness on ensuring the highest standards of safety and security in the Kuwaiti airspace and considering the precise assessments of specialised teams in cooperation with relevant local and international bodies. Kuwait Airways suspended all departing flights until further notice, citing passenger safety and compliance with national aviation directives. The airline also announced the diversion of incoming flights to alternate airports due to closed airspace. Rerouted flights included: KU162 from Geneva KU168 from Paris KU126 from Sarajevo KU114 from Manchester KU198 from Baku KU174 from Munich KU102 and KU108 from London KU164 from Milan The airline confirmed that all diverted aircraft landed safely. Meanwhile, Jazeera Airways confirmed that flights in and out of Kuwait are suspended until further notice. In a statement, it said: 'Due to the closure of Kuwait's airspace, all Jazeera Airways flights are suspended or delayed until further notice. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority. 'Passengers booked to travel from or to Kuwait are requested not to report to the airport unless notified. Flight operations on several other routes will also be affected. 'We are closely monitoring the situation and will notify affected passengers of any schedule changes. We also recommend checking your flight status before heading to the airport'. Bahrain temporarily shuts airspace The Civil Aviation Affairs of the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications announced the complete reopening of airspace in the skies of the Kingdom of Bahrain. It came after a short closure of Bahraini airspace after the department of Civil Aviation Affairs of the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications announced the temporary suspension of air navigation in the skies of the Kingdom as a precautionary measure in light of recent regional developments. National carrier Gulf Air said: 'Gulf Air announces the resumption of its flights following the reopening of Bahrain airspace. We regret any inconvenience caused and thank our customers for their patience and understanding'. Oman Airlines suspend flights Oman's SalamAir and Oman Air announced temporary suspensions of flights to some Gulf countries. A statement from Oman Air said: 'In light of recent developments in the region, Oman Air flights to and from Manama, Dubai, Doha and Kuwait have been temporarily suspended. 'Flights across the rest of our network may be delayed as a result of longer paths. The airline asks its guests to check their flight status on our website at before leaving for the airport'. — Oman Air (@omanair) June 23, 2025 SalamAir also shared an official statement, saying: 'Due to the current situation in the region and the closure of the airspace, SalamAir flights to and from Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Qatar are temporarily suspended. 'Other SalamAir flights may experience delays due to these disruptions; passengers are requested to check the latest updates on prior to arriving at the airport. 'We are closely monitoring the developments of the situation, and we will resume flights when possible'.
The Independent
18-06-2025
- The Independent
Eurostar passengers see dozens of train services cancelled or delayed
Eurostar passengers saw up to two dozen services between Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam and London cancelled or delayed on Wednesday. As some trains ground to a halt, a passenger on a train in France claimed the electricity had been cut off, leaving travellers with no air conditioning for more than half an hour. A Eurostar spokesperson told The Independent: 'Eurostar services between London and Paris were delayed by one to two hours following an incident on the LGV Nord high-speed line this morning, where a person was struck by a TGV train. 'We are working closely with the French authorities and infrastructure teams to manage the impact and keep services moving. Customers were contacted directly with updates and options and asked not to arrive at the station early to help ease congestion.' They added the air conditioning is a separate issue which is being investigated. One passenger said, according to The Telegraph: 'Eurostar train stuck for over half an hour now. Ventilation cut off, no communication for a quarter of an hour... it's starting to get hot, passengers are getting impatient. ''We're waiting for information from our driver. 'We apologise for the inconvenience' – but still no ventilation. It's getting hotter and hotter.' Eurostar's travel updates page displayed a list of delays and cancellations starting around 7am, although problems had started on Monday. Some services on Thursday and in August were also displayed as already being cancelled. Other services missed out stops, such as the 7.26pm Brussels to London St Pancras, which did not stop at Lille.
Telegraph
18-06-2025
- Telegraph
Eurostar services cancelled after person hit by train
A dozen Eurostar trains from London to Paris have been delayed or cancelled. Almost every service from St Pancras to Gare du Nord was either delayed or cancelled on Wednesday, with a spokesman blaming 'technical issues'. A passenger stuck on a Eurostar train in France claimed the electricity had cut off, with those on board left with 'no air conditioning' for more than half an hour. Timetable data showed delays to departure times of up to two hours, with the 14.31 service not leaving until 16.31. A notice on the departure times website warned: 'The updated times shown in red are approximate and may change.' 'It's starting to get hot' One passenger said their service to Paris had got stuck near Crépy-en-Valois in the French countryside and was without air conditioning. 'Eurostar train stuck for over half an hour now,' the passenger said. 'Ventilation cut off, no communication for a quarter of an hour... it's starting to get hot, passengers are getting impatient. ''We're waiting for information from our driver.''We apologise for the inconvenience' – but still no ventilation. It's getting hotter and hotter.' Temperatures in Crépy-en-Valois were 26C at 6pm. 'Operational issues' Eurostar passengers were given nine different reasons for the delays on the company's official travel updates website page. These included unspecified 'operational issues', St Pancras 'being very busy' and 'a fatality'. Others included 'an earlier train arriving late', 'an earlier incident', 'temporary speed restrictions' and 'a train stopped on the line'. The company also cited 'technical issues' and 'over-running maintenance work'. The train company's customer services social media account said: 'Our trains are experiencing delays due to earlier technical issues and a person being hit by a train in France.'
