Gatwick airport running low on fuel as shortage threatens flights

Holiday Plans at Risk

One of Europe's busiest single-runway airports, Gatwick is a key departure point for package holidays and charter flights, and typically handles its heaviest traffic in August.

The shortage at the UK's second-busiest airport has raised concerns that departures could be delayed or cancelled during one of the year's busiest travel periods, with long-haul flights said to be under the most threat.

It is the latest in a summer of headaches for UK passengers, following a recent summer holiday warning to travellers over airport readiness.

What the Gatwick Airport fuel shortage means for travellers

Passengers due to fly from the Sussex hub have been urged to check the status of their flights directly with their airline before setting off.

The scale of the problem, and how long it may last, remained unclear on Monday morning as the story developed.

With schools broken up for the holidays and airports braced for record numbers, any prolonged disruption at Gatwick could ripple across the UK's summer travel plans.