EasyJet chaos: Over 100 flights grounded at Gatwick over severe thunderstorms
54 flights were axed on Sunday with a further 55 cancelled so far on Monday
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Thunderstorms have plunged Gatwick Airport into chaos, causing over 100 hundred flight cancellations with the Gatwick Express also suspended.
Thousands of passengers have been left in the lurch as EasyJet cancelled 54 flights scheduled to take off from Gatwick on Sunday, with a further 55 axed on Monday.
EasyJet’s crisis management has come under fire, with passengers reporting problems with managing online bookings, minimal staffing, hotel availability and communication issues.
A yellow thunderstorm warning has been put in place by the Met Office across parts of central England between 12pm and 9pm.
Gatwick will limit flights to 825 a day in July
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An easyJet spokesperson said: “Thunderstorms in the Gatwick area which restricted the number of arrivals and departures on Sunday unfortunately resulted in disruption at London Gatwick Airport, including some diversions and cancellations which is having a knock-on impact this morning as a number of aircraft are out of position.
“We are doing all possible to minimise the impact on our customers, providing those on cancelled flights with options to rebook or receive a refund as well as hotel accommodation and meals where required.
“The safety and wellbeing of customers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority and, while this is outside of our control, we would like to apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused.”
One passenger tweeted last night: “Total chaos in Gatwick tonight! Multiple cancelled flights, no support, no local hotels with availability, login to manage booking jammed, 2 staff on the floor swamped by 1000s of panicking travellers Totally unacceptable.”
Easyjet was founded in 1995
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Another commented: “Criminal what is happening at Gatwick today. Flights cancelled repeatedly & families left with nowhere to sleep. Disabled lady in tears as 400 hotel tickets given with only 31 rooms available.”
Passengers are not entitled to compensation under UK consumer law, for the cause of the disruption is deemed outside of the airline’s control.
However, passengers must be offered new flight options, assistance such as food and drink, and overnight accommodation if required.
Meanwhile, the Gatwick Express, which runs non-stop trains between the airport and central London, was suspended on Monday due to “urgent repairs of the track.”
Passengers are not entitled to compensation but should be provided with a hotel if required
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A Gatwick airport spokeswoman said: “Due to unsettled weather conditions and thunderstorms across the south of England and Europe yesterday, temporary air traffic restrictions were put in place, which resulted in some flights being delayed and cancelled.
“London Gatwick apologises to passengers for any inconvenience.
“Further thunderstorms are expected today, so passengers should contact their airline for further information.”
Jo Rhodes, deputy editor of consumer magazine Which? Travel, said: “Thousands of travellers will be frustrated to have had their plans thrown into disarray as a result of thunderstorms over Gatwick.
“While easyJet does not have to pay compensation for these cancellations, it must offer affected passengers the option of a refund or to be rerouted at the earliest opportunity - even if this means booking seats with a rival carrier to ensure minimal delay.
“If delayed for more than two hours, passengers will be entitled to assistance such as free meals or refreshments, and overnight accommodation if required.”