Members of the train drivers’ union Aslef will walk out on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday of this week.

The strike will involve up to 1,000 drivers.

The industrial action will result in no Southern Rail services and the cancellation of around half of the Gatwick Express trains between London and the terminal during the day and all services at night.

In addition, there will be no Gatwick Express trains from Brighton to the airport.

Around 234,000 passengers are expected to use Gatwick during the strike period. More than one-third of them would normally use the trains, the Sunday Times reported.

Thameslink services will not be affected, with rail chiefs aiming to operate six trains an hour - two Express and four Thameslink.

A Gatwick spokesperson said: “We are expecting significant disruption to rail services to and from Gatwick on 13, 14 and 16 December due to a train drivers strike.

“There will be no Southern trains and reduced Gatwick Express services.

“Please plan your journey in advance and allow plenty of extra time to get to the airport. You may want to consider alternatives methods of transport.”