About 26 EasyJet flights into and out of Gatwick were abruptly canceled due to employee illness, the airport said.
A representative for the London airport stated that its air traffic control tower was experiencing staff shortages.
It occurred as Gatwick released its half-year financial results, which stated that “business as normal” had resumed.
This summer, thousands of passengers have been affected by airline cancellations and airport delays.
As air travel demand has risen after the pandemic, the sector has grappled with staffing shortages.
Gatwick announced that 13 arrivals and 13 departures out of the 180 EasyJet flights scheduled for Tuesday had been canceled.
A spokeswoman stated, “At 7 a.m., restrictions were placed on the number of flights permitted to land at Gatwick due to an unannounced absence of control tower employees.”
“As a result, some flights throughout the day may be delayed or canceled. Gatwick would like to apologize to our passengers for any disruption this may create.”
Air Navigation Solutions (ANS) rather than Gatwick Airport employs personnel in the air traffic control tower at Gatwick Airport. ANS has been requested for comment.
Earlier in the summer, Gatwick hired 400 additional security personnel to reduce holiday wait times.
It also implemented a daily flight limit, which it claimed would let passengers “enjoy a more dependable and superior level of service.”
The second-busiest airport in London stated in its most recent earnings report that it does not anticipate extending the cap beyond the end of August.
In contrast, Heathrow announced last week that it will prolong a cap on the number of passengers departing the airport until the end of October owing to staff shortages.
“We’re marooned”
Stuart Hayles and his Oxford friend Stephen received a text message informing them that their EasyJet flight from Mallorca to Gatwick was canceled.
Mr. Hayles stated, “We were scheduled to fly this morning, but now we are detained here with no explanation.”
The pair, who had been on vacation for a week on the Spanish island, is now attempting to find lodging but says it is nearly impossible to do so during the school summer break.
They had also purchased non-refundable coach tickets to transport them from the airport back home.
Mr. Hayles reported that they have booked Thursday flights to Gatwick, although he is frustrated by the situation.
“Why does this continue to occur? “Hundreds of flights have already been canceled this summer, and you’ve spoken with the administration, but this continues.”
