Gatwick Airport shuts runway TWICE as just one air traffic controller turns up — then takes a break
Gatwick had to shut its runway after two workers rang in sick and the third had a break with 20 flights delayed or diverted
GATWICK Airport shut its runway twice on Sunday after a sickness bug left just one air traffic controller on duty.
Safety rules say controllers must take two hour-long breaks during their shifts.
So after two of the three duty controllers rang in sick bosses had to shut the runway while the single worker had a break.
It meant 20 inbound flights were delayed or diverted to other airports.
Gatwick’s single runway was shut from 1.40am to 3.20am then 4.10am to 5.20am.
One airline training captain said on Twitter: “Quite staggering.”
An angry passenger said: “Had to land at Luton, refuel and wait for staff at Gatwick to allow us to fly back and land! Not happy.”
Gatwick Airport said it apologised for the inconvenience.
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