Sinkholes suspend Gatwick train services, stranding passengers near Purley

What happened

Train services to and from Gatwick Airport were suspended on June 14 after sinkholes were found on a railway bridge near Purley in south London. The closure affected the line between Purley and East Croydon, cutting off a key stretch of the route used by Gatwick Airport passengers and south coast trains.

Network Rail said urgent repairs were needed after ballast fell through gaps in the bridge, leaving the track unstable. The line was closed for a structural inspection and safety reasons.

Passenger disruption

The shutdown disrupted services from London Victoria and London Bridge toward Gatwick Airport and Brighton. Passengers were left waiting for rail replacement buses, facing queues and long delays at the airport.

The Sun reported that some travelers turned to cars or expensive ride-hailing trips to continue their journeys.

Services start to return

Later in the day, Network Rail said limited train services had resumed after emergency repairs, but disruption was expected to continue into the night. Southern warned passengers not to travel because the reduced service was expected to be full.

London Gatwick also advised passengers to consider alternative routes and allow extra time while the rail recovery continued.