Gatwick Airport’s flight punctuality woes persist, with air traffic control disruptions and staff shortages continuing to plague the UK’s second-busiest airport.
Gatwick’s Flight Delay Issues Persist
The UK‘s second-busiest airport has faced criticism for its poor performance in handling flights, with departures consistently running behind schedule.
Located in West Sussex, England, Gatwick Airport is one of the busiest airports in the UK.
It serves over 46 million passengers annually and is a major hub for British Airways.
The airport has two terminals and offers flights to over 200 destinations worldwide.
Gatwick's history dates back to 1930, when it was opened as a small airfield.
It has since undergone several expansions and modernizations, including the construction of a new terminal in 1988.
Air Traffic Control Disruptions and Staff Shortages
Gatwick Airport’s struggles are attributed to air traffic control (ATC) disruptions, particularly those caused by staff shortages in continental Europe. These issues have also affected the airport’s own control tower, leading to further delays. The airport has implemented a plan with airlines to improve on-time performance, but it remains to be seen whether this will address the root cause of the problem.
Air traffic control disruptions can be caused by various factors, including severe weather conditions, air traffic controller shortages, or technical issues.
These disruptions can lead to flight delays, cancellations, and increased stress for passengers.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in 2020, there were over 1,000 air traffic control disruptions resulting in 14% of flights being delayed.
The FAA also reported that most disruptions occur during peak travel seasons or due to weather-related events.
Punctuality Records Across UK Airports
While Gatwick faces challenges, other airports in the UK are performing better. Birmingham Airport had the second-worst punctuality record last year, with an average delay of over 21 minutes. Manchester Airport followed closely behind, with a delay of just under 20 minutes. In contrast, Belfast City Airport has consistently recorded the best punctuality performance in the UK, with an average delay per flight of under 12 minutes.
Compensation for Delayed Flights
Passengers booked on flights from UK airports experiencing delays may be entitled to compensation, depending on the distance of their route and the length of the delay. However, ATC issues are considered an ‘extraordinary circumstance,’ which means affected passengers are not eligible for compensation.
Flight compensation refers to the financial reimbursement provided to passengers in case of flight disruptions, such as delays, cancellations, or overbookings.
Airlines are required by law to provide compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 and similar regulations worldwide.
Passengers may be eligible for up to €600 in compensation depending on the distance of the flight and waiting time.
Flight compensation typically covers meals, accommodation, and other expenses incurred due to the disruption.
Airport Expansion Plans and Support
Gatwick’s expansion plans, including the proposed use of its emergency runway, have garnered attention from Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. The airport has expressed commitment to improving on-time performance, with a spokesperson stating that it is ‘the world’s most efficient single-runway airport.’ However, the airport must respond to concerns by Thursday regarding its expansion plan.
Conclusion
Gatwick Airport faces ongoing challenges in handling flights, primarily due to air traffic control disruptions and staff shortages. While other UK airports are performing better, Gatwick remains committed to improving on-time performance. The airport’s expansion plans and support from authorities will be crucial in addressing these issues and restoring confidence among passengers.
