LONDON – Flights have been cancelled, delayed or diverted because of a staff shortage in air traffic control at Gatwick Airport, reported German news agency (dpa).
Dozens of arrivals and departures were affected on Thursday evening, with passengers advised to contact their airline.
One person complained on social media that a flight had been diverted to Bournemouth Airport.
The National Air Traffic Services (Nats) said: “Air traffic control restrictions have been put in place this afternoon due to a short notice of staff absence affecting our air traffic control team at Gatwick Airport.
“We are working closely with the airport to ensure we can handle flights with as little disruption as possible and we apologise very sincerely to people who have been inconvenienced (as a result of unavoidable diversions).
“We are working closely with Gatwick Airport Ltd to build resilience in the airport’s control tower to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.
“New air traffic controllers have been recruited since last summer, increasing our presence by 17 per cent, and others are due to start after completing their training, in line with the agreed plan when Nats took over the contract in last October.
“London Gatwick’s senior management understands that we are working hard to keep the operation moving. Airlines operating at London Gatwick were aware of the situation when Nats was appointed but that does not dilute the apology we offer sincerely to them and their passengers who have been inconvenienced by the recent disruption.”
The Sussex Airport apologised, adding in a statement: “Nats are a world-class provider of air traffic services and London Gatwick’s senior management recognises how hard the airport’s air traffic controllers are working to keep the operation moving.
“We are working closely with Nats to build resilience in the airport’s control tower to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.”
It comes after the Nats control system for the entire UK was hit by a technical glitch on Bank Holiday Monday, Aug 28, causing widespread disruption.
More than a quarter of flights to and from UK airports were cancelled that day, affecting around 250,000 people.
Cancellations continued for two more days as planes and crews were out of position.
Rory Boland, of consumer group Which?, said: “It is unacceptable that some Gatwick passengers have been hit by further air traffic control problems so soon after the chaos a few weeks ago.
“This is not an issue caused by airlines, but they must meet their legal obligations to look after passengers and provide them with support during delays and help with refunds and re-routing, including with other carriers if necessary.
“To help end this cycle of miserable passenger experiences, the prime minister must play his part and prioritise legislation to give the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) stronger enforcement powers in the King’s Speech later this year.”- Bernama
