Thousands stranded after flight cancellations and delays at Gatwick and Heathrow

Image: Heathrow Airport

EasyJet blames bad weather and air traffic control delays

The holiday plans of thousands of travellers have been disrupted by flight cancellations and widespread delays at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

According to The Independent, EasyJet at Gatwick and British Airways at Heathrow have each cancelled 32 short-haul flights. Destinations affected include Lanzarote, Budapest and Venice.

At Heathrow, British Airways cancelled two return flights to Rome as well as services to Naples, Barcelona and Larnaca in Cyprus.

EasyJet attributed the overnight flight cancellations to bad weather and disruptions to air traffic control. Several of its flights from Gatwick suffered significant delays on Monday morning, although services appeared to be stabilising by lunchtime.

An EasyJet spokesperson said:

“EasyJet operated around 1,800 flights yesterday. Unfortunately, some were disrupted due to adverse weather conditions and air traffic control delays. We have worked tirelessly to minimise the impact on our customers, offering hotel accommodation, meals, refunds or transfers to alternative flights.

“Customers will be reimbursed for any expenses incurred as a result of these disruptions. The safety and well-being of our customers is our top priority and while these issues are beyond our control, we apologize for the inconvenience.”

British Airways echoed similar sentiments. A spokesperson said:

“Due to air traffic control restrictions and adverse weather conditions, like other airlines, we have had to make some schedule changes. We understand this is frustrating and our teams are working hard to reschedule affected passengers on other flights, with the vast majority already accommodated on flights later today.”

Two British Airways planes struck by lightning

Two British Airways planes were struck by lightning on Sunday, forcing them to be taken out of service for safety inspections. In a statement on its website, a British Airways spokesperson highlighted the ongoing problems with air traffic control, saying:

“Despite the absence of disruption from the French air traffic controllers’ strike this summer, air traffic control services continue to underperform, with repeated staff shortages. On Monday 8 July, 21% of Ryanair’s first wave departures (134 out of 579 aircraft) were delayed due to ATC staff shortages.

“These delays are unacceptable. We apologise to our passengers for these repeated delays due to air traffic control, which are deeply regrettable but beyond Ryanair’s control.”

Meanwhile, Unite union announced that strikes by Gatwick baggage security staff have been postponed following an “improved pay offer”. The workers, employed by ICTS, have agreed to call off strikes scheduled for 12-14 July and 19-21 July while they decide on the new offer.

Dominic Rothwell, Unite regional officer, said:

“As a show of good faith, ICTS workers at Gatwick have postponed their strike action while they decide on the new offer. Industrial action by Wilson James workers can also be avoided, but only if the company presents an improved deal.”