Norwegian exit 'another devastating blow' for Gatwick

On Thursday (14 January), Norwegian confirmed it would refocus its attentions exclusively on short-haul as part of a wide-ranging restructure.

The move will affect more than 1,000 Gatwick-based roles, including around 300 pilot positions according to pilots union Balpa, which said Norwegian’s decision showed aviation "remained in serious crisis" owing to the pandemic.

Gatwick, though, is disproportionately affected by the decision, with it serving as Norwegian’s European long-haul base.

Nearly half of the total expected job losses arising from Norwegian’s decision to quit long-haul will be at Gatwick, with a further 1,000 at risk at in France, Spain, Italy and the US.