Gatwick Airport has temporarily limited flight numbers for the rest of the week as a result of sickness amongst air traffic control staff.

In a statement, the airport said it would limit the number of flights to 800 a day from today, which will remain in place until Sunday 1 October.

It said the limit would prevent last-minute cancellations and delays for passengers.

Stewart Wingate, chief executive of London Gatwick, said: “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.

“We are 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.”

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

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