Gatwick flight delays: Passengers hit with long waits and crowding after airport suspends flights
Flights were suspended for two hours
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Gatwick Airport has resumed all flights after an ”air traffic control systems issue” caused the airport to shut for two hours.
After the issue forced Britain’s second-busiest airport to ground all flights, Gatwick eventually announced on Twitter: “Following an earlier air traffic control systems issue, flights to and from Gatwick have now resumed. If you are travelling this evening, please check the status of your flight with your airline before travelling to the airport, as we return to full operations.”
In the midst of the issue, which related to the control tower and which lasted roughly two hours, flights were cancelled, delayed or diverted to other airports, prompting complaints on social media and long queues.
So far, 28 flights have reportedly been cancelled, with 26 flights diverted to other airports.
Despite the issue now being resolved, passengers are continuing to see delays and cancellations, with the airport warning that they may continue into the night.
On Twitter, easyJet passengers have shared photos of the chaotic aftermath in the London airport. However, the airline has warned passengers they will not receive cash compensation as the disruption “is beyond our control and is considered an extraordinary circumstance”.
According to Gatwick, it is “aiming to operate a full schedule of flights tomorrow”.
The disruption comes after the airport was closed for 33 hours in December as a result of unauthorised drone activity.
Catch-up on events as they happened below
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In the airport's latest update on Twitter, it confirmed that all flights "remain suspended".
The airport also encouraged all passengers due to fly this evening to check their flight status before travelling to the airport.
On Gatwick's website, some flights are showing as diverted to other airports, while others have been cancelled.
As of 7.15pm UK time, there are reports that planes have begun to taxi at the London airport.
Flights to and from Gatwick have now resumed following the air traffic control systems issue, the airport said on Twitter.
For those who have experienced flight cancellations or delays, you can read our handy guide regarding passenger rights below.
You can read more about the Gatwick closure and the ensuing chaos at Britain's second-busiest airport below.
On Gatwick's website, an updated notice informs passengers that flights have now resumed.
The airport also apologised for the inconvenience caused by the two-hour shutdown, writing: "We would like to apologise for any disruption to your journey this evening."
Despite resuming activity, some passengers are still reporting flight cancellations as the fall out of the closure continues.
According to some passengers, flight departure boards in Gatwick are still relaying incorrect information.
The airport has asked that passengers contact their airlines for up-to-date information regarding flight statuses.
Delays and cancellations are continuing to cause issues at Gatwick, with one passenger sharing a photo of the crowd assembled after Easyjet reportedly told passengers "to go home or book three-star hotels, then change onto new flights".
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