SINKHOLES CLOSE GATWICK RAILWAY LINE, DISRUPTING AIRPORT PASSENGERS

Network Rail engineers discovered multiple sinkholes near a railway bridge during planned engineering work on Sunday evening. All train lines between Purley and East Croydon were closed as a result. The closure caused significant disruption for passengers travelling to and from Gatwick Airport. Gatwick Express advised customers not to travel, stating that it could not guarantee completion of journeys. Long queues formed for replacement transport services.

Engineers successfully plugged the sinkholes, permitting trains to resume operations. Disruption continued into the night following the repairs. Thameslink confirmed that unused tickets from Sunday would be accepted on Monday 15 June. Network Rail issued an apology to affected passengers following the incident.

The closure affected multiple rail services operating between the two stations. Passengers faced extended waits for alternative transport arrangements during the evening period. The incident highlighted infrastructure challenges on routes serving the major airport terminal.