Network Rail members of the RMT and TSSA unions, as well as staff from 11 train operators, started first of two 24-hour walkouts on Thursday (18 August). A second strike will take place on Saturday (20 August) with the knock-on effect of the walkouts expected to disrupt services on Friday and Sunday.

Affected roles include ticket office, station and control room staff, plus engineers and workers in planning, timetabling and other roles. In total, around 45,000 rail workers will walk out over 18 and 20 August.

Gatwick has warned alternative forms of transport will also be busier than usual and urged passengers, where possible, to arrange private transport.

It comes after operations at the airport were on Wednesday (17 August) beset by heavy downpours, resulting in delays and several flight cancellations.

Around 20% of rail services are expected to operate on strike days, with half of Britain’s rail lines effectively closed. Some routes will have no service, while services on others are expected to end early at around 6.30pm.

Network Rail, the BBC reports, said a total of 4,300 services were expected to run on Thursday and Saturday, the highest number yet during a series of strikes by the RMT union.

Affected train companies include Thameslink, which operates services to Gatwick and Luton airports, and Southern, which also serves Gatwick, as well as Gatwick Express itself.

Avanti West Coast, Cross Country Trains, Great Western Railway, LNER, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express will also all be affected. Stansted Express passengers have been told to expect major disruption, while other airports – including Manchester and Heathrow – have issued their own warnings.

In London, there is also planned strike action on the London Underground and London Overground on Friday.

‘Very limited’

"Due to a national rail strike, a limited service will operate to and from Gatwick airport’s train station on 18 and 20 August 2022," said Gatwick.

"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 7am and 7pm on these days, with no service outside of these hours.

"Further disruption will also be likely on 19 and 21 August 2022, due to displaced trains and crew."