14 hours ago
Cosford Air Show passengers fume as trains home axed at last-minute
Passengers heading to one of the Midlands' most popular events were left fuming after a rail operator axed trains home because it couldn't drum up enough staff.
Around 50,000 people are expect to descend on the Cosford Air Show 2025, near Wolverhampton, today, Sunday, June 8.
But on Saturday West Midlands Railway announced that not enough staff had volunteered to work and so only "limited services" would run to take visitors home.
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Visitors heading to the show via the rail services were warned to expect 'longer waiting times' for a return service.
The company - already under fire over the quality of services on some of its lines - said: "Due to late notice shortage of train crew, there will be limited services returning from the event.
"Queuing systems will be in place and there will be a longer wait for a return service.
"Rail replacement buses will also be in operation after the event.
"Please plan ahead and check before you travel.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."
In response to the X post, social media user @IanJFincher wrote: "Why is this being announced over a day in advance?
"Clearly staff have not been properly booked or are planning to phone in sick in advance.
"It is excuse after excuse everyday.
"Are you incapable of employing enough staff to cover? Profit before people."
While @duncancushenan said: "Typical response from West Midlands Railway, a large local event is taking place that will cause a surge in rail travel leads to a reduction in rail capacity from the operator."
And @thedrinky said: "WMR... Never fail to disappoint... The gift that keeps on giving... Awful service..."
Another social media user simply responded 'p*** poor'.
While @BaileyDugle88 quipped: "Did the train crews call in sick to attend the air show?"
The Cosford Air Show attracts visitors from around the world and is organised by the Royal Air Force.
Visitors are treated to displays of different aircraft, such as the Red Arrows.
This year, there's said to be a dogfighting performance by pilots in replica British, French and German World War One aircraft.
