Gatwick Airport experienced a wave of flight cancellations as EasyJet, one of the prominent airlines operating there, was forced to axe numerous flights due to thunderstorms. The severe weather conditions disrupted the travel plans of thousands of passengers, with a total of 55 flights being cancelled on Monday, following an additional 54 cancellations on Sunday. This unfortunate situation impacted approximately 15,000 passengers who were left stranded or had to make alternative arrangements.
Emphasising the importance of customer and crew safety, EasyJet stated that they considered the well-being of their customers and staff as their highest priority. The airline assured affected passengers that it was making every effort to minimise the impact of the cancellations. Passengers were encouraged to contact their airline for further information, especially in light of the Met Office’s yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms and rain across the UK.
The adverse weather conditions were preceded by scorching temperatures during the weekend, which reached a high of 32 degrees Celsius (89.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in certain areas. EasyJet explained that the thunderstorms in the Gatwick area on Sunday led to restricted arrivals and departures, resulting in diversions and cancellations. This, in turn, caused a ripple effect on Monday as several aircraft were left out of position, compounding the disruption.
To mitigate the inconvenience caused to customers, EasyJet offered options to rebook flights or receive refunds, along with provisions for hotel accommodation and meals where necessary. The airline extended its apologies for the disruption, reiterating its commitment to customer satisfaction and safety.
Unfortunately, affected passengers are not entitled to compensation under UK consumer law, as the cancellations were attributed to circumstances beyond the airline’s control. Gatwick Airport also expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to passengers and revealed that further thunderstorms were expected on the same day, advising travelers to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest updates.
The combination of thunderstorms, temporary air traffic restrictions, and unsettled weather conditions created a challenging situation at Gatwick Airport, impacting travel plans and causing frustration for passengers. As both EasyJet and the airport authorities work diligently to manage the situation, passengers are urged to stay informed and seek assistance from their airline to minimise any further disruption.
