- Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Gatwick Airport, the second-busiest airport in London, is facing flight restrictions this week due to a COVID-19 outbreak among its air traffic control division. In a statement released on Monday, the airport revealed that a daily limit of 800 flights, affecting both departures and arrivals, will be enforced until Sunday.
Approximately 30% of the air traffic control staff at Gatwick are currently absent from work due to various reasons, including COVID-19. The implementation of the flight cap aims to prevent last-minute cancellations and delays for passengers while National Air Traffic Services (NATS) works towards restoring normal operations.
Stewart Wingate, the chief executive of Gatwick Airport, expressed that this decision will help minimize disruptions during this challenging period. The most significant number of cancellations is expected on Friday, September 29, with 33 departures affected.
NATS apologized to passengers for the inconvenience caused but explained that the presence of a variety of medical issues prevented them from managing the airport's usual traffic flow. Although all COVID-19 restrictions in Britain were lifted last year, individuals are still advised to stay home from work if they have tested positive for the virus.
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