Govia Thameslink Railway say that they have made special arrangements for passengers that have been affected by the war in the Middle East.

Ticket restrictions have been lifted on Southern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express and Great Northern services, meaning passengers arriving back in to the UK, or departing for the Middle East from Gatwick or Luton, can travel at a different time than originally planned.

Tickets marked from Saturday 28th February 2026 onwards can use their tickets:

• On a different day
• Earlier or later on the same day (if advance)
• During the morning or evening peak (if off peak or super off peak)

Passengers will need to show evidence of their original flight booking along with a cancellation or amendment notification.

“With uncertainty over air travel to and from the Middle East at the moment, we want to do what we can to help people who have been affected by last-minute flight cancellations and disruption.

“We’ve relaxed our ticket rules so that passengers can get back home without additional worry.”

Louis Rambaud, Govia Thameslink Railway’s Chief Customer Officer