Gatwick limits daily take offs and landings this week
Only 800 flights per day will be able to arrive or depart from there due to staff sickness amongst air traffic controllers
Gatwick Airport is limiting the number of flights that can take off or land there every day this week.
Around 800 daily departures or arrivals will be allowed at Britain's second-biggest airport until Sunday (1 October).
It's because 30% of air traffic control staff are currently off sick for various reasons, including Covid-19.
The airport's CEO, Stewart Wingate, says the move will ensure they're not impacted by last-minute delays or cancellations.
"This has been a very difficult decision but the action we have taken today means our airlines can fly reliable flight programmes, which gives passengers more certainty that they will not face last minute cancellations," Mr Wingate added.
The airport say the decision was made jointly with National Air Traffic Service (NATS), who operate services at Gatwick Airport, and airlines.
Mr Wingate said the airport is “working closely with NATS to build resilience in the control tower, and this decision means we can prevent as much disruption as possible."
“London Gatwick would like to sincerely apologise to any passengers who have been impacted by these restrictions.”
Passengers are being advised to check with their airlines as to whether their flights are operating.
The airport added the vast majority of affected passengers will be found alternative flights.