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As it happenedended

UK travel news: Millions passengers face disruption amid heavy floods

Millions of travellers are expected to travel for Christmas today

Friday 20 December 2019 09:26 GMT
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UK weather: Flooded railway tracks lead to major travel disruption in south east England

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For the next two weeks, millions of rail passengers will find journeys across Britain difficult. They will be hit by a combination of Network Rail engineering work, strikes and nature.

UK airports will also be busy over the festive period, with millions of passengers expected to pass through on midwinter trips.

Elsewhere, the US' Federal Aviation Administration has grounded all flights in and out of Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports amid dense fog, reports Associated Press.

The FAA has grounded all flights until 8am local time (2pm GMT).

Cathy Adams24 December 2019 13:47

Trains will finish earlier than normal tonight, so if you're heading elsewhere for Christmas, remember to check the last train times.

Here's a jolly reminder from train operator Southeastern.

Cathy Adams24 December 2019 14:26

No flights have been cancelled by the planned strike by workers at London Southend airport, which is taking place over the Christmas period.

The strike was organised by union GMB.

A spokesperson for London Southend airport said in a statement: "Our teams reported for work at London Southend Airport today despite calls by the GMB for strike action. We want to thank those employees for ensuring passengers flying through the airport on well-earned Christmas breaks were not delayed, and no flights were cancelled.”

Cathy Adams24 December 2019 14:41

There are service alterations on the Stansted Express this evening - if you're heading to the airport, check before you travel.

Cathy Adams24 December 2019 15:16

Flight tracking site Flight Radar 24 is following Santa's sleigh today, under the special flight code SANTA1, flying from the North Pole... to the North Pole.

From the looks of it, Santa is currently over Bulgaria...

Cathy Adams24 December 2019 15:35

Various works are taking place on UK roads tonight, although there are no full closures, says Highways England.

See the link below for a list of full works that might affect your journey home.

Cathy Adams24 December 2019 15:45

There is a reduced train service on Northern in the North West until the end of the day.

Cathy Adams24 December 2019 16:20

Greater Anglia services in the east of England are finishing around 10pm tonight, so check before you travel.

The train operator says there is also currently disruption between Ipswich and Peterborough.

Cathy Adams24 December 2019 16:21

Travelling for passengers on Northern Rail has become even more difficult than anticipated.

"Unprecedented levels of staff sickness" means dozens more trains have been cancelled. Some bus replacements are in operation.

Cathy Adams24 December 2019 16:24

In other news, a plane from Southend airport to Derry had to ask five passengers to disembark because it was 'too heavy' to fly in fog.

Read the full story here:

Cathy Adams24 December 2019 16:29

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