Tube drivers to strike
London Underground train drivers confirmed two 24‑hour strikes starting at midday on April 21 and midday on April 23, with widespread disruption expected across the network (aol.com). Authorities and travel guides are already advising airport travellers to use alternative routes and operators warn the West End could lose about £210 million in trade if action goes ahead ( ).
London Underground drivers will strike from noon on April 21 and again from noon on April 23, with disruption expected across four working days. (tfl.gov.uk) Transport for London said the action will affect the whole Tube network, with reduced service on most lines and no service expected on the Piccadilly and Circle lines. It also expects no Metropolitan line service between Baker Street and Aldgate and no Central line service between White City and Liverpool Street. (tfl.gov.uk) TfL said trains that do run on Tuesday and Thursday will ramp down before noon, then finish early, and services on Wednesday and Friday will start later than normal with no service expected before 7:30 a.m. Disruption is expected to continue into the afternoon and early evening after each strike period ends. (tfl.gov.uk) The dispute is between TfL and Rail, Maritime and Transport union drivers over a proposed four-day working week. TfL said it first put that proposal to unions in March 2025 and has been discussing a Bakerloo line pilot, while the union says compressed shifts could increase fatigue and create safety risks. (tfl.gov.uk, standard.co.uk) TfL is calling the strikes unnecessary and says other Underground staff will keep working. It also says the Elizabeth line, Docklands Light Railway, London Overground and trams will run normally, though they are likely to be much busier than usual. (tfl.gov.uk) Airport trips are already a focus because the Piccadilly line serves Heathrow and the wider Tube shutdown will slow journeys to central London rail links for Gatwick, Stansted and Luton. Time Out advised travelers to check routes in advance and use National Rail, the Elizabeth line and coaches where possible. (timeout.com, timeout.com) Business groups are pressing for a deal before Tuesday. The Standard reported that employers warned the walkout could cost London about £210 million, with West End shops, theatres and restaurants facing lost trade during a busy spring week. (standard.co.uk) This is also not the end of the calendar. TfL’s strikes page lists the same noon-to-noon walkouts for May 19 and 21 and June 16 and 18, unless talks produce a settlement before then. (tfl.gov.uk)
