Millions of travelers across the UK are bracing for significant disruptions this Easter Bank Holiday weekend, as both road and rail networks face extensive engineering works and strikes. With more than 300 engineering projects scheduled by Network Rail from Good Friday, April 18, 2025, through Easter Monday, April 21, train journeys from major stations such as London Euston and London Victoria will be affected.
The RAC has predicted that over 19 million journeys will take place from Thursday, April 17, 2025, through Easter Monday, with widespread congestion expected on key routes including the M25, M6, and M5. In addition, a strike involving baggage handlers, check-in staff, and flight dispatchers at Gatwick Airport is set to further complicate travel plans.
More than 100 members of Unite the Union began their strike on April 18, 2025, and will continue until Tuesday, April 22, 2025. This action could lead to major disruptions for passengers flying with airlines such as Norwegian, Air Mauritius, Delta, TAP, Ethiopian Airlines, and Air Peace, as staff working for the ground handling firm Red Handling voted to strike. Despite this, Nick Williams, head of passenger operations at Gatwick, told the BBC that they do not anticipate a large-scale impact, as only a handful of airlines are affected. “We’re working really closely with those airlines to try and mitigate that impact and hope that as many of those flights operate as close to schedule as possible,” he said.
As the strike commenced, some flights from Gatwick were already experiencing delays. For instance, the 8.45am Norwegian flight to Bergen, which departed at 9am, and the 9.20am Norwegian flight to Riga, which left at 9.44am, were among those affected. The situation at other London airports varies, with Stansted, Heathrow, Southend, and City also reporting delays and cancellations.
At London Stansted, a Ryanair flight to Nantes was delayed from 9.40am to 11.45am, while an Ajet flight to Istanbul scheduled for 11.50am was pushed back to 12.05pm. Meanwhile, British Airways flights from Heathrow to San Francisco and Halifax were canceled, and a flight to Pittsburgh was delayed.
On the roads, the AA estimates that nearly 20 million people will travel by car on Good Friday alone, with similar numbers expected on the remaining days of the weekend. National Highways has lifted roadworks from over 1,100 miles of motorway and major A roads, resulting in 97.5% of its network being free of traffic cones. However, a crash on the M1 in Hertfordshire has caused delays of up to an hour and created five miles of congestion.
Traffic hotspots are anticipated on the M6 in Birmingham and near Blackpool, as well as on the M25 and M5. RAC spokesperson Alice Simpson warned of potential big jams, particularly if there is a break in the weather. “It’s vital to plan ahead and be prepared for trips to take longer because of the wet weather and the expected getaway congestion,” she advised.
For those looking to avoid bank holiday traffic, Garage.co.uk has shared some tips. Timing is crucial; leaving early or later in the day can help avoid peak travel times. Popular destinations like the Lake District, North Wales, or Cornwall may see heavier traffic, so planning around peak hours is advisable.
Using live traffic apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps can also assist travelers in rerouting to avoid traffic jams. Additionally, having snacks and a good playlist can help ease the stress of travel. Breaking up long journeys with scenic stops or meals can also make the trip more enjoyable.
As for train travel, Euston Station will be closed from Saturday, April 19, to Monday, April 21, due to essential work on overhead electric lines and drainage improvements. Passengers are advised to travel on either side of Easter to avoid disruptions. A reduced timetable will be in effect on Good Friday and Monday, with services on the West Coast Main Line operating between Carlisle and other northern stations via replacement buses.
Platforms 1 to 8 at London Victoria will remain closed throughout the bank holiday, with Southeastern trains being diverted to London Bridge or London Cannon Street. In Scotland, track renewal works will lead to bus replacements between Carlisle and Glasgow, and between Carlisle and Edinburgh.
Helen Hamlin, Network Rail’s director of system operations, stated, “The vast majority of the rail network will be open as usual for people wanting to travel over the Easter bank holiday, but there will be changes to services in some areas so we’re asking passengers to plan ahead and check before they travel.” She noted that Easter provides a key opportunity for maintenance works due to lower passenger numbers during the holiday.
In total, Network Rail plans to invest £86 million in the rail network over the weekend, aiming to enhance services and infrastructure for future travelers. With all these changes, it’s clear that this Easter weekend will be one of significant travel disruption.
As travelers prepare for their journeys, it’s essential to stay informed about potential delays and cancellations. Checking flight status pages and traffic updates will be crucial in navigating the busy holiday weekend.
With millions on the move, the combination of strikes, engineering projects, and holiday traffic is set to create a challenging travel environment. Those venturing out this Easter Bank Holiday should remain patient and flexible, making the most of their journeys despite the inevitable disruptions.
