As one of the largest users of London Gatwick Airport, easyJet issued the following statement:

easyJet Gatwick Statement: 20 December 2018 12:10

“Following reports of drones flying over Gatwick Airport the runway is closed and all flights are currently suspended whilst investigations take place. 

“We advise all customers flying to and from London Gatwick today to not travel to the airport if they are on flights which have been cancelled. Customers can check the status of their flight on our Flight Tracker www.easyjet.com/en/flight-tracker or via the app.

“We are making every effort to get people to their destination at this important time of the year. Customers on cancelled flights today will be entitled to a free of charge transfer to an alternative flight and hotel accommodation if required. We will also reimburse any reasonable expenses incurred by passengers who arrange their own comparable alternative transport.

“Whilst the situation is outside of our control we would like to apologise to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the diversions and resultant delays and cancellations. 

“The safety of its passengers and crew is the airline’s highest priority.”