Rail passengers across England faced a chaotic day of disruption on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, after a series of separate incidents caused delays and cancellations on major commuter, airport and international rail routes.
The latest disruption hit services operated by Greater Anglia and Stansted Express after a points failure at Cheshunt blocked all lines between London Liverpool Street and Cheshunt via Brimsdown and Stratford.
According to National Rail, trains running through the area were delayed by up to 30 minutes, diverted via Seven Sisters or revised, with disruption expected to continue until at least 16:00 local time.
"Greater Anglia and Stansted Express tickets will be accepted on the following alternative options at no extra cost: London Underground services between London and Seven Sisters, Tottenham Hale Great Northern services between Moorgate and Hertford North, and also between London Kings Cross and Cambridge," said National Rail.
In their latest announcements, officials informed the public of a new disruption at Plymouth expected until 16:00 local time, which has been since fixed with lines reopened "following a points failure. "Whilst service recovers, trains running through the station may be delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised."
The company also announced another disruption between Dalston Junction and Clapham Junction expected until 15:00. "Tickets will be accepted at no extra cost on London Buses via any reasonable route."
Earlier Disruptions
The incident followed earlier disruption on the same corridor, marking the second operational problem of the day affecting routes linking northeast London with Essex and London Stansted Airport.
A third incident later added further pressure to the rail network after a broken-down train blocked lines between Stratford International station and London St Pancras International station.
National Rail said trains between the two stations were cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised. Although the lines later reopened, disruption was expected to continue until at least 15:30 local time.
The combined incidents affected thousands of passengers, including travelers heading to airports and international rail connections. While the Stansted Express disruption impacted passengers flying from Stansted Airport, rail operators also warned of wider knock-on delays that could affect travelers connecting through major transport hubs, including Manchester Airport via onward rail services.
Passengers across the network were advised to check before traveling as engineers worked to restore normal service throughout the afternoon.
