LONDON GATWICK TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE NORTH TERMINAL NEXT MONTH

The airport believes that the move is the best way to protect staff, passengers and the business from the impact of COVID-19.

The emergency measures will be in place from April 1 for one month, with the situation kept under regular review.

It notes that a decision will be taken on reopening the North Terminal “when airline traffic increases and government public health advice – including on social distancing – is relaxed.”

The airport adds that the decision to scale back the airport’s operations has been discussed with the airport’s airline partners and any passengers booked on flights due to depart or arrive at Gatwick during this period are advised to contact their airline.

Airport CEO, Stewart Wingate, said: “Gatwick is a resilient, but also responsible business, and during these extraordinary times we need to take unprecedented measures to protect the health and wellbeing of our staff and passengers, while also shielding the business from the impact of coronavirus.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my staff for their continuing hard work through this difficult time and to reassure them that we are taking these difficult decisions now, so that we are in a position to recover quickly and get back to generating jobs and economic benefits for the region and wider economy well into the future.

“During these extraordinary times, we have also seen remarkable acts of kindness and community spirit in support of people who may need some additional help.

“To add to this, we will also be providing some opportunities so that any of our staff, who have time during this period of reduced operations, that choose to, can help support people in our local communities.”