Heathrow Airport is experiencing severe travel chaos this morning after a police incident led to the complete suspension of all rail services to and from the terminals.
Armed Police Response and Passenger Accounts
The disruption began on the morning of December 7, 2025, with authorities providing little official detail about the nature of the incident. However, passenger accounts paint a concerning picture. One traveller waiting in a car shared footage of armed officers conducting vehicle searches, commenting that they had just seen someone walked past in handcuffs, adding it was "not a good sign."
Another passenger, Fin Fraser, posted on social media platform X, stating: "Who knows what’s happening at Heathrow T3, stuck here for nearly an hour and armed police searching every car about."
Widespread Transport Cancellations
The police response has caused a total shutdown of the airport's rail connections. The Heathrow Express, the dedicated non-stop service from London Paddington, has no services running in either direction. On its website, the operator warns of "major disruption" due to a problem under investigation.
Similarly, Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed there are "No services between Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow Terminals while the police respond to an incident." This suspension affects the crucial Elizabeth Line route, a major artery for commuters and travellers.
Ongoing Situation and Travel Advice
As of 9:11am on December 7, the situation remains fluid with no indication of when services might resume. The incident is classed as a breaking story, with updates expected as more information becomes available from the Metropolitan Police.
Passengers planning to travel to or from Heathrow Airport today are being urged to:
- Avoid all rail travel to the airport until further notice.
- Check official TfL and Heathrow Express websites for live updates.
- Consider alternative transport options, though significant road congestion is likely.
The disruption underscores the vulnerability of London's critical transport hubs to security incidents and the rapid, wide-ranging impact they can have on thousands of passengers.
