The London Eye has become the center of attention after breaking down twice on May 1, 2025, the hottest day of the year in Britain, leaving visitors stranded in its glass pods. The iconic Ferris wheel stopped working just 40 minutes after it first ground to a halt, causing quite a stir among tourists eager to enjoy the stunning views of London.
As temperatures soared to 28°C, making it the warmest start to May on record, visitors were seen waiting in line at the popular attraction. At around 3:45 PM, an announcement was made, informing guests that "engineers are in attendance" to resolve the technical issues. Footage captured by onlookers showed the wheel at a standstill, with an automated voice reassuring visitors that operations would resume shortly.
Among those affected was Metro news reporter Jen Mills, who was stuck in one of the capsules with her family when the wheel stopped moving. She shared her experience, stating, "When you are at the top it is quite scary. We were stuck at the top for what felt like ages. I didn’t mind at first, as I thought it would quickly start up again, but I became worried for my toddler who didn’t understand and started crying and sweating a lot in the heat. It was scary to be trapped in a glass capsule on a boiling hot day. There was no communication for a while, then there was an apology. Then we were told the Eye was moving again, but it then stopped again. I was very relieved when it finally moved again and we could get off."
The London Eye, which has been a staple of London’s skyline for more than 25 years, resumed operations shortly before 4 PM after a brief delay. The attraction stated, "Earlier today, the London Eye temporarily paused to investigate a minor technical issue. Our team were able to quickly resolve the issue, resulting in a short 10-minute delay to boarding, after which we resumed operating as usual. We apologise for any inconvenience caused." However, the excitement was short-lived as the wheel broke down again just 40 minutes after resuming operation.
As crowds gathered at the base of the London Eye, many were left waiting for their chance to board the attraction. With a total capacity of around 800 people at any one time, the breakdown created a ripple effect, delaying entry for dozens of tourists. Some visitors reported that despite the heat, the air conditioning in the pods helped keep them comfortable while they waited.
One tourist, Cindy Efickley, visiting from Pennsylvania, noted, "It was very hot in the queue and the technical difficulties announcement made some people leave, mostly elderly people. But once we got on there were no problems at all - we had champagne so I forgot all about the problems." Another visitor, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared that the wheel briefly reversed while engineers fixed the issue. They remarked, "We were near the top but the Eye spun back slightly. The air conditioning stayed on, so we were all fine. We actually got more time on there and it’s cooler on-board than out here in the queue."
The record-breaking temperatures have drawn attention not only to the London Eye but also to the broader implications of climate change. The Met Office confirmed that May 1, 2025, marks the warmest start to May since records began, with temperatures surpassing the previous May Day record of 27.4°C, recorded at Lossiemouth, Moray, in 1990. Forecasters predict that temperatures could climb even higher, potentially reaching 30°C in some parts of the country.
Last summer was a stark contrast, with average temperatures barely reaching 14°C, making this sudden heatwave all the more extraordinary. The London Eye has had its share of technical difficulties in the past, previously breaking down in 2016 and leaving visitors stranded for over three hours. Last year, during Storm Henk, one of the capsule doors was blown open by 94 mph winds, causing panic among passengers. This latest incident, however, has sparked a renewed discussion about the reliability of such a popular tourist attraction.
Despite the hiccups, the London Eye remains one of London’s most beloved landmarks, attracting around three million visitors each year. With its 32 capsules, each capable of carrying up to 28 passengers, the attraction provides a unique vantage point of the city’s sprawling skyline. As the sun sets on this record-breaking day, tourists continue to flock to the London Eye, eager to experience the breathtaking views it offers, albeit with a hint of trepidation after today's events.
As the day comes to a close, the London Eye is back in operation, welcoming guests once again. However, the memory of being trapped in the heat may linger for those who experienced the breakdown firsthand. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with operating such a large-scale attraction, especially during record-breaking weather.
