GNER has operated extra services on 14/15 August, as it continues to accommodate passengers who are switching from air to rail travel because of congestion at airports following recent security measures.

On Tuesday 15 August, GNER will operate an additional 07.30 departure from Edinburgh Waverley station, calling at Newcastle, Durham, Darlington, York, Doncaster, Peterborough, and Stevenage, arriving at London King’s Cross at 12.16.

Since Thursday 10 August, GNER has run 10 extra services between Edinburgh and London, relieving pressure on Edinburgh and Newcastle airports where dozens of domestic flights have been cancelled, although the position is now improving.

These additional train services have enabled at least 3,000 people to complete their journey in comfort, without being stranded or having to face lengthy delays at airports. In a good example of cross-industry co-operation, staff at Edinburgh Airport have helped to publicise rail timetables at the airport.

GNER will continue to monitor any increased demand for its services and will attempt to meet it where possible.

On Eurostar a 27 percent increase in passenger numbers was seen in the wake of tougher airport security restrictions across Europe, carrying an extra 28,000 travellers over the first four days (10-13 August) of air travel disruption.
Despite the unexpected surge in demand for its services between London, Paris and Brussels, Eurostar's punctuality averaged 94% over the four days, enabling thousands of travellers to avoid long hold-ups at airports.
Eurostar has also seen significant numbers of travellers using Eurostar as part of longer rail journeys between the UK and mainland Europe, making onward connections in France and Belgium via other high-speed operators. The Netherlands, Germany and the south of France have proved particularly popular onward destinations.

Simon Montague, Director of Communications, Eurostar said: "Our staff have reacted quickly and efficiently to help travellers whose airline journeys have been disrupted. We are pleased that we have been able to assist thousands of travellers in reaching their destinations. Many travellers will have discovered that Europe's high-speed rail network is an increasingly attractive alternative to short-haul air travel."
Eurostar is expecting increased demand to continue this week, as travellers seek to avoid continuing airport delays. Travellers are advised to book through eurostar.com or via Eurostar’s Contact Centre on 08705 186 186, in order to avoid possible queues at Eurostar terminals.

Eurostar’s high levels of security screening for travellers and luggage remain in place.