Travel plans for thousands of holidaymakers have taken a hit due to severe disruptions at Gatwick Airport, stemming from a critical shortage of air-traffic control staff. This operational hiccup has forced the cancellation of approximately 100 flights, leaving airlines and passengers scrambling to manage the unexpected chaos.
Nats, the air-traffic control firm in charge, has implemented temporary flight restrictions to ensure safety amidst these staffing shortfalls. The consequences of these limitations are far-reaching, with an estimated 15,000 passengers facing significant alterations to their travel schedules on what is traditionally one of the busiest days of the summer travel season.
EasyJet, a major carrier at Gatwick, has seen at least 64 of its flights both arriving and departing from the Sussex hub grounded, echoing disruptions from the previous year and as recent as June 2024. A spokesperson from Nats has issued an apology for the disruption but has not provided a clear timeline for when normal operations might resume.
The ripple effects of the staffing issue are compounded by adverse weather conditions across Europe, which have further tightened the restrictions on flight operations. “We are extremely disappointed that customers are once again affected by circumstances beyond our control. We apologize for the inconvenience and are working diligently to minimize the impact,” stated a representative from Nats.
Passengers like a Brit planning to travel from Nantes to London Gatwick expressed their frustration as they incurred additional costs and potential lost wages due to the disruptions. “It’s an absolute nightmare. I’m now out of pocket by over £240, and the lack of a direct contact number for EasyJet only adds to the frustration,” the passenger shared.
In response to the chaos, EasyJet has informed affected passengers of their options to rebook or receive refunds. The airline is also arranging for accommodations and meals where necessary. Similarly, British Airways and Vueling have canceled several flights, and Wizz Air has also axed routes to Vienna and Venice, underscoring the widespread impact of the air-traffic control shortage.
A Gatwick spokesperson emphasized that the safety-driven restrictions, exacerbated by unexpected staff absences and poor weather, are regrettable but necessary. “We urge affected passengers to contact their respective airlines for the most current information,” they advised.
