The heat wave affecting Europe is beginning to directly impact rail transport. In Belgium, SNCB is canceling 100 trains per day through Friday, after high temperatures put strain on older trains without air conditioning. Similar measures or disruptions caused by the heat wave have also been reported in France and the United Kingdom.
The heat wave is having an increasingly noticeable impact on European rail traffic, resulting in train cancellations, operational restrictions, and comfort issues for passengers and staff.
In Belgium, SNCB, the national passenger rail operator, has decided to cancel 100 trains per day in light of the high temperatures and the expected duration of the heat wave.
The measure applies from Wednesday through Friday and comes after the Belgian operator had already eliminated 15 peak-hour trains operated with older rolling stock earlier this week.
Old trains without air conditioning
SNCB operates approximately 3,800 trains every workday across the entire Belgian network.
The operator notes that the fleet is being gradually modernized, including through the introduction of M7 double-decker trains, with deliveries scheduled to be completed by 2026. At the same time, an order for new, more comfortable rolling stock is currently underway.
The problem is that older trains lack air conditioning and are more prone to breakdowns during periods of extreme heat. Under these conditions, high temperatures can affect both passenger comfort and working conditions for staff, including conductors and engineers.
SNCB has therefore decided to temporarily take 200 trains operated with Sprinter-type rolling stock—which lack air conditioning—out of service, as temperatures on board can become too high.
Approximately 60% of these trains will be replaced with newer Desiro-type rolling stock, equipped with air conditioning.
100 trains canceled daily
Specifically, through Friday, P trains—used primarily to supplement service during peak hours—will be canceled.
In addition, two commuter lines, the S5 between Grammont and Mechelen and the S7 between Hal and Vilvoorde, will be reduced to one train per hour.
SNCB states that these adjustments affect routes for which alternatives are available to passengers.
In total, the Belgian operator is canceling 100 trains per day.
This reorganization may, in some cases, result in Desiro trains that are shorter than originally planned, but the operator states that these adjustments are made only where the estimated occupancy level allows for it.
Recommendations for Passengers
SNCB recommends that passengers check their route before departure using the operator’s app or website, where the schedule changes are reflected.
The trip planner also shows the estimated train occupancy rate, the number of railcars, and whether the train is equipped with air conditioning.
The operator advises vulnerable individuals to avoid traveling during this period. Other passengers are advised to avoid peak hours as much as possible and to carry water with them.
SNCB reminds passengers that there are water fountains at approximately 100 stations, where passengers can fill their bottles for free.
Groups with reservations on trains affected by changes will be assisted by SNCB, which will offer alternatives, including buses, if necessary.
Problems in France and the United Kingdom as Well
Belgium is not an isolated case.
In France, high temperatures have already led to the cancellation of some Intercités services after SNCF temporarily took trains with older rolling stock—which are vulnerable to air-conditioning issues—out of service.
In the United Kingdom, passengers have been advised to avoid non-essential travel on certain routes, and some services have been suspended or reduced during the hottest parts of the day.
The problems caused by the heat go beyond onboard comfort. Very high temperatures can also affect railway infrastructure, including tracks, signaling systems, and overhead contact lines.
On electrified networks, the heat can cause contact wires to expand, and speed restrictions may be imposed on certain sections to reduce risks.
Railways Under Pressure from Increasingly Hot Summers
Heat waves are putting increasing pressure on European rail networks, many of which were designed at a time when extreme temperatures were rarer or of shorter duration.
At the same time, some of the rolling stock still in service is not adapted to increasingly hot summers. Trains without air conditioning or with older systems become more difficult to use in heatwave conditions, both for passengers and for staff.
Rail operators are trying to limit the impact by modernizing their fleets, adjusting schedules, conducting additional infrastructure inspections, and, where necessary, implementing preventive cancellations.
For travelers, the recommendation remains to check the schedule before departure, avoid peak hours, and choose less crowded trains when alternatives are available.
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