London Underground workers are staging a series of 24-hour strikes between April and June 2026, causing widespread disruption across the network and affecting access to major airports including Heathrow.
The industrial action is linked to a dispute over working conditions and staff schedules, with several key lines expected to shut entirely while others run reduced services. The strikes are expected to significantly impact daily commuters and air passengers relying on the Tube for airport transfers.
The disruption matters for travellers because the London Underground is a primary route to Heathrow Airport and other transport hubs, and limited alternatives are likely to face increased demand. Services on major lines, including those serving central London and key interchange stations, are expected to be suspended or severely reduced during strike days. This could lead to longer journey times, overcrowding on alternative routes, and delays in reaching departure terminals.
Eurostar isn’t affected by Tube or train strikes, although service may be affected by other walkouts, such as those by Eurotunnel staff or French railway operators, so check before you travel.
Reduced services and line closures expected
Transport services across London are set to be heavily affected during the strike periods, with some Underground lines not operating at all. Among the lines expected to face the most disruption are the Piccadilly and Circle lines, both of which play a critical role in connecting central London to Heathrow and other major destinations.
Other lines are expected to operate on reduced timetables, creating uneven service patterns across the network. This is likely to result in congestion at major stations and increased pressure on remaining services, particularly during peak travel hours.
Dates of the next tube strikes
- Noon, Tuesday, April 21 to 11.59am, Wednesday, April 22
- Noon, Thursday, April 23 to 11.59am, Friday, April 24
- Noon, Tuesday, May 19 to 11.59am, Wednesday, May 20
- Noon, Thursday, May 21 to 11.59am, Friday, May 22
- Noon, Tuesday, June 16 to 11.59am, Wednesday, June 17
- Noon, Thursday, June 18 to 11.59am, Friday, June 19
Transport for London (TfL) has said that on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the strikes, services will run as normal until mid-morning, then be reduced from late morning. After midday, there will be significant disruption on all lines, which will continue through to the following day. On Wednesdays and Fridays, there will be significant disruption on all lines until midday. Services will recover in the afternoon, but some disruption is likely until the evening.
Airport access and alternative routes under pressure
The strikes are expected to place additional strain on alternative transport options, including the Elizabeth Line, buses and private hire services. While these routes will continue operating, they are likely to experience higher passenger volumes as travellers seek alternatives to the disrupted Underground network.
Airport passengers are among those most affected, particularly those travelling to Heathrow, which is directly served by the Piccadilly line. Limited Underground access may require passengers to plan longer journeys or use multiple modes of transport to reach the airport.
The industrial action forms part of a broader labour dispute involving working conditions and scheduling concerns among transport staff. While negotiations continue, the planned strike dates indicate ongoing disruption over several weeks, with potential knock-on effects for both domestic commuters and international travellers.
Transport authorities are expected to provide updated service information ahead of each strike date, but the scale of disruption suggests that normal operations will not be maintained on affected days. The situation adds to wider pressures on European travel networks, where labour disputes and operational constraints are already contributing to delays and cancellations.
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