Storms across UK and Europe force Gatwick to slash dozens of flights
Ilaria Grasso MacolaGatwick was forced to cancel 36 flights after storms hit southern England and Europe on Thursday (24 August), with more services expected to be delayed and cancelled on Friday (25 August).
TTG understands easyJet was forced to cancel the majority of flights, while some Brussels Airlines and Tui services were also affected.
"Due to the impact of ATC restrictions across the network yesterday caused by adverse weather conditions across the UK and Europe which also resulted in the temporary suspension of operations at London Gatwick, some flights yesterday evening have been unable to operate as planned," said an easyJet spokesperson.
"We have been doing all possible to minimise the impact for our customers, providing those on cancelled flights with options to rebook or receive a refund as well as hotel accommodation and meals where required and we advise any customers who source their own that they will be reimbursed."
Commenting on the cancellations, Which? Travel editor Rory Boland lambasted airlines’ lack of communication with passengers.
"Year after year it’s the same old story and passengers are fed up of airlines disregarding their rights and getting away with it," he added.
The cancellations come as the threat of strike action during the bank holiday weekend was ended earlier this week after ground handlers and passenger assistance workers accepted a “dramatically improved offer”.
The union Unite said on Thursday its members employed by ground handler Red Handling and passenger assistance firm Wilson James called off a walkout scheduled for 25-28 August after accepting 14% and 16% pay increases respectively.
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