The airport said on Monday night (25 April) it was limiting the number of daily flights to around 800 until Sunday (1 October) after 30% of ATC staff had fallen ill to short-term sickness, including Covid, which resulted in dozens of cancellations.

Gatwick’s chief executive, Stewart Wingate, said the airport was working alongside National Air Traffic Service (Nats) to rebuild resilience in the control tower.

“It is unacceptable that airlines have been asked to cancel flights to/from Gatwick Airport for the next six days –until 2 October – as a result of Nats’ failure to adequately staff UK ATC,” said an airline spokesperson. 

“We call on the CAA to immediately intervene and protect passengers from this ongoing UK ATC shambles.”

Ryanair, which has also called on Nats chief executive Martin Rolfe to resign, said it will not cancel any services to and from the Sussex hub.

“It is the most basic requirement to hire and train adequate staff numbers including standby coverage,” the carrier added.

Ryanair’s remarks come on the heels of consumer champion Which?, which has called on the government to give the CAA stronger enforcement powers. 

“To help end this cycle of miserable passenger experiences, the prime minister must play his part and prioritise legislation to give the CAA stronger enforcement powers in the King’s Speech later this year,” said Which? Travel editor Rory Boland on Monday (25 September).