Rail Strikes to Slam Gatwick and National Routes Early December
Brace yourselves, travellers! Gatwick Airport and key National Rail lines are bracing for chaos as ASLEF union drivers launch a wave of industrial action from Friday 1st through Saturday 9th December. Expect delays and cancellations across multiple routes as dozens of train operators are hit.
Strike Dates & Operators
The ASLEF strike hits different train companies on specific days, spreading disruption across the country:
- Saturday 2nd December: East Midlands Railway & LNER
- Sunday 3rd December: Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, Great Northern, London Northwestern Railway, Thameslink, West Midlands Railway
- Tuesday 5th December: c2c and Greater Anglia (including Stansted Express)
- 1st & 6th December: Gatwick Express, South Western Railway (Island Line included), Southeastern, Southern
- Thursday 7th December: CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Heathrow Express
- Friday 8th December: Northern and TransPennine Express
Adding fuel to the fire, ASLEF is also imposing an overtime ban from 1st to 9th December, which could worsen delays.
What This Means for Passengers
The strikes threaten to throw thousands of journeys into turmoil, especially those heading to or from Gatwick Airport. Long-running tensions between rail unions and operators mean the UK rail network remains in turmoil.
Passengers should:
- Check the National Rail Industrial Action Webpage for the latest ticketing and refund info.
- Use National 1 Enquiries’ updated Journey Planner for travel up to 8th December; updates for dates beyond will follow after December 1.
- Check journey details on travel day for last-minute changes.
- Consider alternative routes and travel methods ahead of time.
Plan Ahead or Prepare to Be Stranded
With some of the most significant rail strikes in years ahead, now’s the time to get organised. Don’t risk missing flights or important trips—keep your eyes peeled for updates and stay flexible with your travel plans.
Stay ahead of the chaos and travel smart this December.
