Gatwick Airport boss apologises for Christmas flight chaos

Updated
Passengers wait underneath blank departure screens following a power outage at the North Terminal of London Gatwick Airport in Horley, England, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013. A severe winter storm has caused major travel problems in Britain, leading to substantial delays Tuesday at London Gatwick Airport and on roads and rail lines at the height of the Christmas travel period. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)


Chief executive of Gatwick Airport Stewart Wingate has issued an apology for the flight chaos caused at the London airport after a power cut on Christmas Eve. Source: PA.

According to the Evening Standard, Wingate said he was "very sorry" and admitted more should have been done to look after passengers who complained of the "Third World" conditions.

He said: "Some passengers' travel plans were disrupted and I'm very sorry for this. Passengers on the 67 flights (of 256 scheduled) that had to be cancelled were left inconvenienced and disappointed. I'm aware we could and should have done more, along with out airport partners, to give more information and comfort.

"We will work with the Environment Agency to reassess our flood risk modelling and ... where we need to invest more will do so as an urgent priority.

"We have always taken the risk of flooding seriously."

The BBC reports that the House of Commons Transport Committee heard how the airport learned at 4.15am on Christmas Eve that the River Mole would flood in half an hour.

The floods reached electricity sub-stations and caused a power cut at the North Terminal.

Thousands of passengers were left stranded as flights were delayed and cancelled.

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