London tube strikes have thrown the city into chaos, leaving millions of commuters and travellers stranded as Transport for London’s website and app collapsed under heavy demand. The industrial action has brought most of the Underground to a halt for a second consecutive day, forcing people to scramble for alternative routes across the capital.
What is happening during the London tube strikes
The strike began when around 10,000 members of the RMT union walked out on Monday, demanding shorter working weeks as part of ongoing pay negotiations. The action has caused major disruptions and will continue until Thursday 11 September, with lingering effects expected into Friday.
Currently, the Bakerloo, Central, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Victoria, and Waterloo & City lines are completely suspended. The Piccadilly line is running a limited service between South Harrow and Hammersmith, while the Northern line is only managing minor delays.
Adding to the disruption, the Docklands Light Railway will shut down on 9 and 11 September, cutting off key connections to London City Airport and financial districts. Elizabeth line trains will also be restricted at certain times, with no stops between Whitechapel and Bond Street before 7:30am or after 10:30pm on 10 September, and before 8am on 11 September.
Transport for London says normal Underground services are expected to resume by mid-morning on Friday 12 September.
How London tube strikes affect airport travel
The London Underground is usually the fastest way to reach airports and train stations, but with most lines suspended, travellers should expect delays and plan extra time.
- Heathrow Airport: The Piccadilly line is closed, so the Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express from Paddington are the main alternatives.
- Gatwick and Luton Airports: Thameslink trains connect travellers to London Bridge, Blackfriars, Farringdon, and St Pancras. The Gatwick Express and Southern services from Victoria also run.
- Stansted Airport: Served by the Stansted Express to and from Liverpool Street.
- St Pancras International: Eurostar passengers heading to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam should use Thameslink services from Farringdon, Blackfriars, or London Bridge.
Concerts cancelled and rescheduled due to London tube strikes
The disruption has reached beyond commuting. Major concerts have been postponed or rescheduled as organisers cannot safely manage large crowds without a working Tube network.
Coldplay cancelled two shows at Wembley Stadium on 7 and 8 September, citing safety concerns. The Sunday performance was moved to Saturday 6 September, while the Monday concert was shifted to Friday 12 September.
US artist Post Malone also rescheduled concerts originally set for 7 and 8 September at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. These will now take place on 20 and 21 September, with refunds available for those unable to attend.
Anyone travelling across London this week should expect long queues, crowded buses, and higher Uber fares due to soaring demand. It is advised to leave much earlier than usual, plan routes carefully, and check live updates from Transport for London before setting out.
