Gatwick airport has been thrown into chaos as dozens of flights are diverted due to air traffic control staff shortages.
Thousands of passengers are facing disruption after flights were cancelled, delayed or diverted on Thursday evening.
National Air Traffic Services said: "Air traffic control restrictions have been put in place this afternoon due to a short notice staff absence affecting our air traffic control team at Gatwick Airport. "New air traffic controllers have been recruited since last summer, increasing our presence by 17%, and others are due to start after completing their training, in line with the agreed plan when Nats took over the contract last October.
"London Gatwick would like to apologise to any passengers who have been impacted by these restrictions. Please contact your airline for more information.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sara Sharif's fugitive family members arrive at Gatwick airportThe trio are wanted for questioning by police over the schoolgirl's death.
Read more »
Dad of Sara Sharif, 10, arrested on suspicion of murder after returning to UK from PakistanUrfan Sharif was detained minutes after his plane touched down at Gatwick on Wednesday
Read more »
Sara Sharif's dad, stepmother and uncle arrested at Gatwick Airport on suspicion of murderSara was found dead at her home in Woking, Surrey, on 10 August. Her father, Urfan Sharif, stepmother Beinash Batool and uncle Faisal Malik are believed to have travelled to Pakistan on 9 August and were being searched for by police in the country.
Read more »
Gatwick air traffic control hit by more staff shortagesThe boss of Ryanair says the head of the UK's air traffic control service should resign over the issues.
Read more »