As the Easter bank holiday weekend unfolds, travelers and families across the UK are navigating a mix of disruptions and weather challenges. Major rail engineering works, strike actions, and heavy traffic have created a chaotic atmosphere for those looking to enjoy the holiday. With the potential for rain and flooding on Easter Monday, many are left scrambling for alternative plans.
Network Rail has announced that over 300 engineering projects are set to take place across Britain from Good Friday through Easter Monday (April 18-21, 2025). This has led to significant disruptions, particularly affecting services at London Euston, the UK’s tenth busiest railway station, where trains to and from Milton Keynes were halted on Saturday and Sunday due to essential work on overhead electric lines and drainage improvements.
On Easter Monday, a reduced timetable will be in effect, with services on the West Coast Main Line only operating between Carlisle and other northern stations. Helen Hamlin, Network Rail’s director of system operations, emphasized that Easter is a critical time for such works due to lower passenger numbers and the extended bank holiday, allowing more time for essential upgrades.
Meanwhile, road travel has not been without its own hurdles. A crash on the M1 in Hertfordshire on Friday caused delays of up to an hour, contributing to five miles of congestion. National Highways has lifted roadworks from over 1,100 miles of motorway and major A roads, leaving 97.5% of its network free of traffic cones. However, the AA predicts that nearly 20 million people will take to the roads on Good Friday, with 18.5 million expected on Easter Saturday, and 18.2 million on both Easter Sunday and Monday.
Traffic hotspots are anticipated on the M6 in Birmingham, near Blackpool, along the southern and western M25, the M5 at Bristol, and the A303 in Wiltshire. RAC spokesperson Alice Simpson cautioned travelers to prepare for potential “big jams,” advising early or late travel to avoid the worst congestion.
In terms of air travel, around 2.2 million people are expected to travel abroad this weekend. A total of 11,282 flights are scheduled to depart UK airports between Good Friday and Easter Monday, marking a 6% increase from last year but still 4% lower than in 2019. Popular destinations include Dublin, Amsterdam, Malaga, Alicante, and Mallorca.
However, travelers at Gatwick Airport faced additional challenges as over 100 members of the Unite union, employed by ground handling firm Red Handling, were set to strike during the holiday weekend over disputes regarding pay and pensions. This strike affected baggage handlers, check-in staff, and flight dispatchers for airlines like Norwegian and Delta, leading to longer wait times and potential delays.
Queues also formed at the Port of Dover on Friday morning, with travelers warned of extended processing times at Border Control, resulting in around a 40-minute wait at the P&O Ferries check-in. As the holiday continues, transport analytics company Inrix has predicted delays on various motorways, including the M25 and M6, as well as the A303 and M5.
In terms of tourism, VisitEngland reported that approximately 10.6 million British adults are planning to take a holiday within the UK during the bank holiday period, contributing an estimated £3.9 billion boost to the economy. However, 3.4 million individuals remain undecided about booking an overnight domestic trip, often waiting to see if the weather will cooperate.
Weather conditions are also a significant concern this Easter. The Met Office has warned of mixed weather, with forecasts predicting heavy rain and potential flooding on Easter Monday. A “changeable” weekend is expected, featuring both warm sunshine and frequent showers. The worst conditions are anticipated on Monday, with widespread downpours likely to spoil outdoor plans.
Eight flood warnings are currently in place across Hertfordshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, and County Durham, while Scotland is also facing similar warnings in regions such as Glasgow and Ayrshire. The Environment Agency has issued a total of 13 flood warnings around areas including Oxford, Reading, Exeter, and Plymouth, reflecting the severity of the situation.
On Easter Monday, temperatures are expected to drop to between 12-14°C, coinciding with the anticipated heavier rainfall. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Steven Skeates noted that while Easter Sunday may be the driest day, conditions will become more unsettled again on Monday.
For those planning to shop on Easter Sunday, Aldi has announced that its stores will be closed, reopening for business as usual on Monday. This aligns with the retailer's policy of closing on major holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. Other grocery stores, such as Asda and Tesco, will also reduce their hours during the holiday.
However, most McDonald's locations across the UK will remain open on both Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, operating under normal hours with slight variations depending on the branch. This Easter, McDonald’s has introduced new menu items, including the Apple Cake McFlurry and a Minecraft Movie Meal, catering to families looking for convenient dining options during the holiday.
As the Easter weekend progresses, families and travelers are advised to stay informed about potential disruptions and weather conditions. While many are eager to enjoy the holiday, the combination of engineering works, strikes, and rain may require some flexibility and planning to ensure a smooth experience.
