Hogwarts Express Train Faces Delay as Safety Row Halts New Season

The return of one of Britain’s most recognisable heritage rail journeys is facing uncertainty, with operators warning that the new season may not begin as planned.

West Coast Railways, which runs the Jacobite steam service along the West Highland Line, has confirmed that it has yet to set a launch date or begin ticket sales. The train, widely known for its role as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films, typically resumes operations in March or April.

At the centre of the delay is an ongoing regulatory issue involving the use of traditional Mark 1 carriages. The company has applied for a safety exemption to continue operating the historic rolling stock while upgrades are completed, but the request is still under review by the Office of Rail and Road.

The service runs between Fort William and Mallaig, passing over landmarks such as the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which gained global recognition through its appearance in the Harry Potter film series produced by Warner Bros..

Local business leaders have raised concerns about the potential economic impact of delays. The West Highland Chamber described the service as a “vital economic engine” for the region, warning that some visitors have already cancelled accommodation bookings amid uncertainty over the season’s start.

West Coast Railways has been in a long-running dispute with the regulator over safety requirements, specifically the need to install central door locking on Mark 1 carriages to prevent passengers opening doors while the train is moving.

Company director James Shuttleworth said the necessary system would be fitted, but that the process would take time. He added that the operator had applied for an exemption in the interim, noting that similar approvals had been granted previously, with onboard staff manually securing doors.

In recent seasons, the operator had turned to more modern Mark 2 coaches, which are equipped with central locking. However, Shuttleworth said these would not be used this year due to reduced capacity and operational drawbacks, including the need for an additional diesel locomotive to power onboard systems such as air conditioning.

He also pointed to financial losses linked to the use of the Mark 2 stock, alongside customer feedback indicating a preference for the older carriages.

The regulator confirmed that no agreement has yet been reached on the exemption, and that the application remains under consideration. West Coast Railways has said further details on the season’s start will be announced once a decision is made.

Image: West Coast Railways