Gatwick Airport implements flight restrictions amid Covid-19 outbreak
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

Gatwick Airport implements flight restrictions amid Covid-19 outbreak

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.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

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.

Next Story
Real Estate

Pecan Realty Completes Rs 1.5 Billion Transactions

Pecan Realty has recently completed four institutional transactions worth over Rs 1.5 billion over the past two years, strengthening its position as an execution-led real estate platform. The deals include resolution-led acquisitions, structured finance transactions and capital partnerships across its development portfolio.The transactions covered acquisitions through the National Company Law Tribunal process and helped provide repayment or exits to both private and public sector lenders. The company said the deals demonstrate its ability to resolve complex project situations, work with instit..

Next Story
Real Estate

SNN Estates Expands North Bengaluru Housing Project

SNN Estates has announced an expansion of its SNN Estates Felicity residential project in North Bengaluru following strong buyer demand, with 75 per cent of the first-phase inventory sold within three days of launch.The developer will add 76 apartments in the new phase, taking the project's estimated revenue potential to around Rs 1,000 crore upon completion of Phase 2.Spread across 6.5 acres in Rachenahalli, near Manyata Tech Park, the project comprises 604 apartments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK configurations. The development includes a 50,000-sq-ft clubhouse with amenities such as sports co..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

SCG Drives ASEAN Industrial Transformation Strategy

SCG is strengthening its focus on ASEAN as a key growth region by advancing industrial transformation, enhancing competitiveness and building resilient regional value chains. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCG, highlighted the need for industries to continuously develop capabilities, strengthen resilience and deepen regional cooperation to achieve sustainable long-term growth.SCG views ASEAN as an important growth engine alongside China, supported by favourable demographics, trade connectivity and investment flows. With ASEAN’s GDP projected to grow by around 4.7..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement