Elizabeth line to Heathrow hit by power failure, delays up to 60 minutes
TfL allows free transfers to buses and rail while engineers work to restore supply by 3pm
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A power supply failure between Paddington and Heathrow has caused widespread disruption to rail services serving the airport. The fault, which began earlier today, has affected the Elizabeth line, Great Western Railway and Heathrow Express. Network operators have warned passengers to expect delays of up to 60 minutes, with services not expected to return to normal until at least 3pm on 13 August 2026.
Who is affected and what passengers can do
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The disruption impacts all stations on the Elizabeth line between Paddington and Heathrow, as well as Great Western Railway services to Reading and Heathrow Express trains. Transport for London has confirmed that Elizabeth line passengers can use alternative TfL services, National Rail trains and buses without paying an additional fare. This includes the Piccadilly line, which also serves Heathrow.
Passengers who experience significant delays may be entitled to compensation under the operators’ delay repay schemes. The exact criteria vary by service, but typically apply to delays of 30 minutes or more. Travellers are advised to keep their tickets and check the relevant operator’s website for details on how to claim.
What happens next
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Engineers are working to restore power to the affected section of track, but no update on progress has been provided. Network Rail, which manages the infrastructure, has not confirmed when normal service will resume. The current estimate of disruption lasting until 3pm remains in place, but this could be extended if the fault is not resolved.
Passengers are being urged to check real-time updates before starting their journeys. TfL’s website, the National Rail Enquiries service and the operators’ social media channels are providing live information. Those travelling to Heathrow for flights are advised to allow extra time to account for potential delays.
Questions this report answers
+How long will the delays last?
Disruption is expected to continue until at least 3pm on 13 August 2026. Engineers are working to restore power, but the timeline for full service resumption remains unclear. Passengers should check for updates before travelling.
+Can I use other transport services for free?
Yes, Elizabeth line passengers can use alternative TfL, National Rail and bus services at no extra cost while disruption continues. This includes the Piccadilly line, which also serves Heathrow Airport.
+Am I entitled to compensation for the delays?
Passengers may be entitled to compensation under the operators’ delay repay schemes if their journey is delayed by 30 minutes or more. Keep your ticket and check the relevant operator’s website for details on how to claim.
+What should I do if I’m travelling to Heathrow for a flight?
Allow extra time for your journey, as delays of up to 60 minutes are possible. Check real-time updates on TfL’s website or National Rail Enquiries before leaving, and consider using alternative routes such as the Piccadilly line.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
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