London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

London Gatwick has reopened, but for a limited number of aircraft

Share

London Gatwick’s runway is currently available and a limited number of aircraft are scheduled for departure and arrival, the airport said in a statement. The airport continues to advise passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline before travelling to the airport as departures and arrivals will be subject to delays and cancellations.

For 30 hours, the airport was forced to close the airfield due to ongoing drone activity. Meanwhile, Sussex Police is getting support from military experts to track down the drone user(s). Snipers and a helicopter also have been deployed, security forces are considering to shoot down the drones.

Eco-terrorism?

Extinction Rebellion, an international social movement that aims to drive radical change, through nonviolent resistance in order to minimise species extinction and avert climate breakdown, says they are not involved with the drones at Gatwick Airport: “We’ve heard there are rumours circulating. We remind people that our actions are always ‘above the ground’ meaning we stand by our actions, are accountable and take the consequences.”

Major impact on passengers and airlines

Yesterday, the airlines cancelled 760 flights, affecting 110.000 passengers. A big impact just before Christmas Holidays.

This post was published on 21 December 2018 09:24

Bart Noëth

Working for 25 years in the aviation industry, I changed my career and became a firefighter/EMT in 2021. I like to spend my free time with my two sons, girlfriend, family and friends. I love to travel, wine and dine and support my favourite football squad KV Mechelen. Once an Ironman 70.3 finisher and dreaming of completing a full distance.

Published by
Bart Noëth

Recent Posts

ITA Airways to launch Rome–Caracas flights in March 2027

ITA Airways will launch a direct service between Rome Fiumicino and Caracas on 30 March…

14 October 2026

JAL orders up to 26 Embraer E190-E2s to renew J-Air’s regional fleet

Japan Airlines has ordered up to 26 Embraer E190-E2 aircraft for its regional subsidiary J-Air,…

14 October 2026

Air Tahiti receives 26-seat all-business ATR 72-600 for premium island services

Air Tahiti has taken delivery of an ATR 72-600 fitted with a HighLine All-Business Class…

14 October 2026

Liège Airport passes one million tonnes as exports offset parcel-tax impact

Liège Airport handled more than one million tonnes of cargo in the first nine months…

14 October 2026

Air Canada to launch Montréal–Seville flights with A321XLR in September 2027

Air Canada will launch seasonal non-stop flights between Montréal and Seville on 8 September 2027,…

14 October 2026

LOT and Thai Airways plan codeshare partnership for summer 2027

LOT Polish Airlines and Thai Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish codeshare…

14 October 2026