London's Gatwick Airport Compelled To Temporarily Suspend Flights

The COVID outbreak among air traffic controllers has caused additional congestion at Gatwick Airport.

The popular hub is experiencing flight delays again this week, but it's not because of striking.

The spread of the respiratory virus COVID-19 among air traffic controllers at the UK's second busiest airport has led to flight restrictions.

Until Sunday, Gatwick has limited the number of departures and arrivals each day to 800. COVID has caused the cancellation of 164 flights.

The airport reported it is hoping the limits will prevent it from having to make any unplanned cancellations.

According to NATS, around one-third of ATC employees have been unwell due to COVID. As a result, 50 outbound and inbound flights were either rerouted or canceled at Gatwick Airport, largely with easyJet. Some travellers were delayed for hours, and almost 8,000 people missed their connections.

There will be no increase to the daily flight cap until October 1st. The limitations are expected to have the most impact on Friday, when 65 fewer flights are scheduled. Some flights operated by British Airways, easyJet, and RyanAir will be cancelled.

Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate explained the restrictions were a tough choice, but that the move enables airlines to fly dependable flight schedules, reassuring customers that their flights won't be canceled at short notice. However, travellers are encouraged by Gatwick to contact their airline in advance to confirm flight status.

Are winter Gatwick flights at risk for more cancellations?

NATS, the company in charge of air traffic control, has reassured passengers that the service schedule will begin returning to normal once the employees will return to work and transition into the busy winter schedule.

Moreover, there will be more tower-ready air traffic controllers in the coming months, which are now in the midst of new training programs.

 

Source: euronews.com