Heathrow airport warned passengers on Saturday that flooding is blocking road access to Terminals 2 and 3. The statement urged travellers, including the many Canadians who pass through the hub, to allow extra time and use rail services.
In a statement issued on Saturday morning, the airport urged people to allow extra time for their flights.
"Flooding in the central terminal area has resulted in on‑going road closures restricting access to Terminals 2 and 3. "Passengers travelling to or from either of these terminals today must not travel by road. "Passengers are strongly advised to use Heathrow Express, Elizabeth Line and Piccadilly Line rail services where possible. "Any passengers that must travel by car must use Park and Ride, head to Terminals 4 or 5 and take free rail services from there, or change at local rail stations. Please allow extra time for your journey. "Our teams are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, we apologise for any disruption caused."
Rail alternatives
The airport's advice to use the rail network mirrors similar guidance given at other major European hubs during weather‑related incidents.
Impact on Canadian travellers
Air Canada operates several flights through Heathrow, and the disruption could affect connections for passengers heading to or from Canada. US travellers often transit via Heathrow as well, so the rail recommendation is relevant for north‑south travel across the Atlantic.
The disruption comes during one of the busiest periods for the airport as millions head overseas during the school holidays.
The airport saw its busiest day of the year on July 19, when 267,000 passengers passed through the hub.
Earlier this week, it was revealed Heathrow lost its position as Europe's busiest airport to Istanbul Airport.
Figures published by the airport show 7.86 million passengers passed through its four terminals in July whereas its Turkish counterpart recorded 8.15 million passengers over the same period.
Heathrow continues to operate its two runways at near‑full capacity, and is seeking Government permission to build a third.
An expansion proposal by the airport's owners would enable it to accommodate 150 million passengers per year. It recorded 84.46 million passengers in 2025.
Heathrow said in a statement: "Heathrow is operating at capacity. The case for expansion has never been clearer, as Heathrow was overtaken in July by Istanbul airport as the busiest hub in Europe. Our plans will ensure the country gets the infrastructure it needs to stay competitive and will deliver all‑important economic growth."
This is a developing story. The article is being updated.