A burst water main leak beneath Inner Ring Road West has caused flooding in Heathrow Airport’s central terminal area on Saturday, 15 August 2026, resulting in road closures and travel disruption.
The flooding affects access to Terminals 2 and 3. There is no flooding inside these terminals, and flight operations are not disrupted. However, road access to Terminals 2 and 3 is closed today.
Travel Advisories and Alternative Access
Passengers travelling to or from Terminals 2 and 3 have been advised not to travel by road today. Heathrow Airport recommends using the Heathrow Express, Elizabeth Line, and Piccadilly Line rail services where possible. Those who
must drive should use park and ride at Terminals 4 or 5 and transfer to Terminals 2 or 3 via free rail services or local rail station changes. Passengers are advised to allow extra journey time.
Official Response and Ongoing Efforts
A Heathrow Airport spokesman stated, “Flooding in the central terminal area has resulted in on-going road closures restricting access to Terminals 2 and 3.” He added, “Passengers travelling to or from either of these terminals today must not travel by road,” and urged, “Passengers are strongly advised to use Heathrow Express, Elizabeth Line and Piccadilly Line rail services where possible.” He further said, “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.” The spokesman concluded, “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.”
Peak Travel Disruption During Summer Holidays
This disruption at Heathrow occurs during the school summer holidays, a period when hundreds of thousands of customers pass through the airport at peak times.
