Gatwick Airport, the second-busiest airport in London, is implementing flight restrictions due to a Covid-19 outbreak affecting its air traffic control division. In an official announcement, the airport stated that a daily limit of 800 flights, encompassing both departures and arrivals, will be in effect until Sunday. Approximately 30% of the air traffic control staff is absent due to various reasons, including Covid-19. The daily flight cap aims to prevent last-minute cancellations and passenger delays while National Air Traffic Services (NATS) works to return to normal operations, according to the airport.

Stewart Wingate, the airport's CEO, emphasised that this decision aims to minimise disruptions, stating, "This measure allows us to minimise disruptions as much as possible." The largest number of cancellations is expected on September 29, with 33 departures affected.

Wingate further explained, "We are implementing this to provide certainty, not only to airlines but, most importantly, to passengers traveling this week, assuring them that the scheduled flights will proceed as planned."

NATS issued an apology to passengers, clarifying that the decision was made due to various medical reasons that prevent them from managing the usual air traffic flows in and out of the airport.

EasyJet will be the airline most impacted by these restrictions, with British Airways and Ryanair also asked to cancel flights. Johan Lundgren, CEO of EasyJet, expressed regret about the temporary capacity limits at Gatwick Airport but acknowledged that it is the right step to prevent on-the-day cancellations and delays. Lundgren stressed the need for Gatwick Airport to develop a long-term plan to enhance the resilience of its air traffic service.

This situation follows a recent data glitch at NATS, which led to widespread disruptions, grounding flights and stranding thousands of passengers. The UK's aviation regulator is preparing to launch an investigation into the collapse of the country's air traffic control system.