London Gatwick Airport, the second busiest airport in the British capital, is grappling with operational restrictions this week as it confronts an acute shortage of air traffic controllers, a crisis attributed to the widespread presence of the coronavirus.

Over the past 48 hours, Gatwick Airport has been forced to cancel more than 160 flights, according to reports from the Associated Press. Le Monde newspaper states that approximately one-third of the airport’s air traffic controllers are currently unavailable due to various health reasons, primarily related to COVID-19.

In response to this critical staffing shortfall, Stewart Wingate, the airport’s director, has announced that Gatwick will implement limitations on daily departures and arrivals, capping them at 800 until October 1st. This decision has been made in coordination with the UK’s air traffic control service.

Wingate emphasized the necessity of these measures, stating, “It was a challenging decision, but the measures taken ensure that passengers won’t experience last-minute cancellations.” He further noted

Article by Prague Forum