Passengers were left stranded 135 metres in the air today after the London Eye broke down during the hottest day of the year.

The iconic tourist attraction on the South Bank ground to a halt earlier this afternoon due to a technical issue, just as temperatures soared to 28°C, setting a new record for the hottest start to May.

Families and tourists queued in the blazing sun while those already onboard endured stifling heat inside the glass capsules.

Quick Resolution by London Eye Team

The London Eye team confirmed the breakdown on their official X (Twitter) account:

Earlier today, the London Eye temporarily paused to investigate a minor technical issue. Our team were able to quickly resolve the issue, resulting in a short 10-minute delay to boarding, after which we resumed operating as usual. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Heatwave Adds Pressure to London’s Attractions

Today’s disruption came as London officially recorded the highest temperatures in the country, with the Met Office confirming it as the hottest May 1st since records began.

Visitors to the South Bank and other tourist hotspots have been urged to stay hydrated and take precautions against heat exhaustion.