Thousands of easyJet passengers hit by cancellations at Gatwick because of storms

Thousands of easyJet passengers have been hit by flight cancellations because of thunderstorms round Gatwick Airport.

The airline axed 55 flights on Monday after 54 had been grounded on Sunday because of the climate, impacting round 15,000 passengers.

Easyjet stated the “safety and wellbeing” of consumers and crew was its “highest priority” and it was doing all the pieces “possible to minimise the impact”.

Gatwick warned that extra storms are anticipated on Monday with passengers being urged to contact their airline for additional data.

The Met Office has in place yellow climate warnings for thunderstorms and rain throughout the UK and follows a scorching weekend of temperatures which reached 32C (89.6F) in some elements.

An easyJet spokeswoman stated: “Thunderstorms in the Gatwick area which restricted the number of arrivals and departures on Sunday unfortunately resulted in disruption at London Gatwick Airport, including some diversions and cancellations which is having a knock-on impact this morning as a number of aircraft are out of position.

“We are doing all doable to minimise the influence on our prospects, offering these on cancelled flights with choices to rebook or obtain a refund in addition to lodge lodging and meals the place required.

“The safety and wellbeing of customers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority and, while this is outside of our control, we would like to apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused.”

Affected passengers are usually not entitled to compensation underneath UK shopper regulation as the reason for the disruption is exterior the airline’s management.

A Gatwick Airport spokeswoman stated: “Due to unsettled weather conditions and thunderstorms across the south of England and Europe yesterday, temporary air traffic restrictions were put in place, which resulted in some flights being delayed and cancelled.

“London Gatwick apologises to passengers for any inconvenience.

“Further thunderstorms are expected today, so passengers should contact their airline for further information.”

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Meanwhile, Gatwick Express, which runs continuous trains between the airport and central London, was suspended on Monday.

The operator stated this was because of “urgent repairs to the track” after a set of factors – which permit trains to maneuver from one line to a different – had been broken within the East Croydon space.

Passengers travelling to or from the airport had been suggested to make use of Southern and Thameslink providers, that are slower as they cease at intermediate stations.