Strikes and technical issues cause cancellations and long delays, as GTR fails in a legal bid to have the strike called off.

As the Christmas getaway becomes more popular, train services to Britain's second-busiest airport are deteriorating because of industrial action and infrastructure problems.

Southern, which runs from London Bridge and Victoria to Gatwick, as well as South London, Surrey and Sussex, has warned of “severe disruption on all dates”.

Even during off-peak spells on a day when no strikes are taking place, dozens of trains between London and Gatwick have been cancelled or severely disrupted.

An overtime ban by Southern drivers has also affected Gatwick Express services, as some Southern drivers also drive Gatwick Express trains. The industrial action is being exacerbated by speed restrictions on the line from Victoria through South London – but many trains on alternative lines, from St Pancras and London Bridge, have also been delayed or cancelled altogether.

Gatwick is served from central London by Southern, Thameslink and the Gatwick Express. Together, they comprise the Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) train operator.

Passengers using the Southern element of the franchise have been victims of a long-running dispute over whether the driver or guard operates the doors.

Train drivers belonging to the RMT union and Aslef have called a strike on Tuesday 13, Wednesday 14 and Friday 16 December and then for most of the second week of the New Year: Monday 9 to Saturday 14 January.

More details: http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/gatwick-airport-express-rail-link-london-christmas-travel-southern-rail-strikes-infrastructure-a7470221.html (SOURCE)