Rail Passenger Numbers to Stay High Until Airports Return to Normal

Train operators can expect a few more days of inflated passenger numbers despite airspace in western and northern Europe reopening last night.

The first aeroplane landed at Heathrow at around 10pm GMT but airline and airport operators admit it will take time for things to return to normal.

Since the airports closed last Thursday afternoon, rail operators, most notably international courier Eurostar, have seen a boom in passenger numbers as stranded travellers looked for alternative routes home.

The British Airports Authority said planes and crew are out of position, meaning services will not instantly return to normal and not all flights will be operating.

Eurostar reported it was dealing with 50,000 extra passengers a day over the weekend, despite putting on extra services.

Rail operators have been criticised in some circles for profiteering from inflating prices due to the increased demand.