London Airport Cuts Flights Due To Ongoing Covid-19 Impact

London’s second-busiest airport reduces flights due to COVID-19 outbreak.

Gatwick Airport imposed a daily limit of 800 flights, impacting arrivals and departures, because of pandemic-related staffing issues at air traffic control. These measures will be in effect until Sunday.

Around 30% of air traffic control staff have been affected by COVID-19, contributing to this decision. The daily cap aims to minimize last-minute cancellations and delays as National Air Traffic Services returns to normal operations

Read more : The Impact of COVID-19 on Labour Migration.

The severity of the crisis is evident as 50 flights to and from Gatwick were canceled or diverted on September 25th, primarily by EasyJet.

Airport CEO Stewart Wingate explained that reducing flights was a difficult but necessary step to prevent further spread. Despite the easing of social distancing protocols in recent months, the pandemic can still disrupt travelers’ lives, as shown by Gatwick’s management.

According to official UK government data, between September 10 and September 16, there were 10,195 reported COVID-19 cases and 2,767 hospitalizations due to the virus.