Gatwick Airport rail chaos after fire near tracks sparks cancellations and delays

A National Rail spokesman said: "A fire next to the track between Gatwick Airport and Purley means that some lines have been closed.

"As a result, trains running between these stations may be delayed, cancelled or revised. Disruption is expected until 11:45."

Gatwick Express services were suspended and "will not be running in any direction until further notice", a spokesman said, advising users to use an alternative route to complete journeys.

"Please check journey planners and see our alternative route map for more information," they added, urging users to allow an additional 30 minutes to complete their journey and to "check journey planners before travelling for the latest schedules."

Travellers can use tickets at no extra cost on Great Western Railway services between Gatwick Airport and Redhill.

Users can travel on Southern services between Gatwick Airport and East Croydon, Thameslink services between Gatwick Airport and East Croydon and Gatwick Express services between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria at no additional cost.

Key routes affected by the fire disruption include the Gatwick Express between Brighton and London Victoria, Southern between Littlehampton / Bognor Regis and London Victoria, Thameslink between Brighton / Three Bridges and Bedford, and between Brighton and Cambridge, and between Horsham and Peterborough.

Emergency services were dealing with a fire near the tracks in the Gatwick area.

Fires in railway areas present a serious safety risk, as they can damage signalling equipment, power systems, and track infrastructure and create unsafe conditions for trains and staff.

The fire has now been put out and National Rail are working to restore service to the booked timetable.

A spokesman said: "All lines have reopened following a fire next to the track between Gatwick Airport and Purley earlier this morning.

"However, as service recovers, trains running between these stations may still be delayed by up to 15 minutes, cancelled or revised to terminate and start back from alternative stations.

"Trains can now run between Gatwick Airport and Purley again. You can now travel on your booked route.

"Services are returning to the scheduled timetable, but please continue to check journey planners and station information boards before you travel.

"Some trains in the area will still be disrupted, and your journey may take up to at least 30 minutes longer than usual."