London Luton Airport. Photo: Robson90 / Shutterstock.com Passengers traveling to or from London St Pancras face major rail disruption on Saturday, August 15, as members of the RMT union take strike action.
EMR has warned that a significantly reduced train service will operate throughout the day. Trains will run only from after 7 am until before 7 pm, meaning passengers traveling during the weekend will have fewer options and should check their complete journey before setting off.
The disruption is particularly important for travelers using London St Pancras for connections to other destinations, as the reduced timetable could affect onward journeys and airport transfers.
Passengers traveling through London St Pancras International are currently facing delays and service alterations, with disruption affecting several East Midlands Railway routes, including services to and from Sheffield, Nottingham and Corby.
A number of trains have been delayed or had their schedules altered, while some services are operating with changes to onboard facilities as the "overhead equipment was damaged between London St Pancras and Luton Airport Parkway" on August 13.
"As a result, EMR Intercity and Connect services are likely to be canceled or severely delayed until 1200 on the 14th August," said the railway company on early Friday morning.
London Luton Airport has announced that the strike action will cause "a significantly reduced East Midlands Railway train service to and from London St Pancras while confirming that Thameslink trains remain unaffected.
"Check your journey to or from the airport and find alternative travel arrangements where necessary."
EMR is advising passengers to check the first and last available trains before traveling on August 15. Services outside the limited operating window will not run as part of the strike timetable.
The operator is also warning that disruption could extend beyond Saturday.
The RMT has notified EMR that members will take Action Short of Strike (ASOS) from Friday, August 14, and again from Sunday, August 16, until further notice. This could result in short-notice changes and cancellations even when a full strike is not taking place.
Passengers are therefore advised to check the latest information shortly before departure.
EMR is taking steps to maximize seating capacity during the strike period.
The operator will temporarily declassify First Class on its Intercity services, allowing all passengers to use the additional seats while the strike timetable is operating.
The measure applies only to EMR services and does not apply when passengers are traveling with another rail operator.
For travelers with important connections, particularly those heading through London, the reduced service means allowing extra time and checking the latest timetable before leaving for the station will be particularly important.
EMR said passengers should continue monitoring its website, station information and social media channels for the latest updates.