London: Gatwick Airport has reduced its number of daily flights over the summer due to staff shortages.
During this peak holiday period, the airport said to limit its daily flight capacity and increase it gradually. Starting at 825 flights a day in July and then up to 850 flights a day in August – so that passengers experience a more reliable and better standard of service.
The move follows a significant and rapid upturn in air traffic levels at Gatwick that – during a busy but challenging Jubilee holiday week – saw c.800 flights use the runway on average each day.
Stewart Wingate, CEO, of Gatwick Airport, said: “Gatwick prepared well for the restart of international travel by successfully reopening our South Terminal and we have now successfully recruited 400 new colleagues to help us process passengers quickly through security this summer. We are also working closely with our airlines to avoid disruption to passengers this summer, and while more newly recruited staff will start work in the coming weeks, we know it will be a busy summer.
“However, it is clear that during the Jubilee week a number of companies operating at the airport struggled in particular, because of staff shortages. By taking decisive action now, we aim to help the ground handlers – and also our airlines – to better match their flying programmes with their available resources.
“As has already been the case, the vast majority of flights over the summer will operate as normal, and the steps were taken today mean that our passengers can expect a more reliable and better standard of service, while also improving conditions for staff working at the airport.
“I am immensely grateful to all our staff for their tireless work over the last few months to get the airport back up and running, and for helping get passengers away on their travels.”
