The airport will retain the 800-flight-a-day cap, which was introduced last Monday (25 September) owing to ATC staff shortages, until Sunday 15 October.

Gatwick said it didn’t anticipate there being a major impact on operations owing to the summer season now having drawn to a close. Last week, more than 150 flights were cancelled owing to the cap on aircraft movements at the airport.

"Following further discussions with Nats and the airlines, the airport has decided to extend the temporary limit on daily flight movements as a precautionary measure through to 15 October 2023," said a Gatwick airport spokesperson.

"The limit will be kept under review while we continue to work with Nats on their staffing challenges."

The spokesperson said the extension aimed to prevent delays and last-minute cancellations for passengers. "As the overall flight schedule has reduced now the summer season is coming to an end, on many days, there will be no impact on our operation."