Fresh travel ‘chaos’ at Gatwick amid cancelled flights and ‘two hour check-in queues’

Holidaymakers at Gatwick reported fresh travel “chaos” on Friday morning amid cancelled flights and a reported lack of check-in staff.

A small number of Easyjet flights appeared to be cancelled, a day after the airline was forced to cancel some 200 flights because of a software issue.

Around a dozen flights were affected to destinations including Amsterdam, Berlin and Turin.

In an update at 6pm on Thursday, the airline said: “Today’s IT system issues have now been resolved. Although we expect to operate most of our remaining flights today, we’d advise anyone due to travel with us this evening to check”, before travelling to the airport.

But one frustrated passenger said: “You have cancelled my flight to Palma this morning from Gatwick. No options available to book an alternative. What am I supposed to do now please?”

Another said: “Still chaos at ⁦ @Gatwick_Airport ⁩ this morning. Lots more last minute ⁦@easyJet⁩ cancellations including mine to Berlin”.

While a third added: “Me and my partner arrived at Gatwick airport this morning, only to be told at security that our flight to Berlin was cancelled. Absolutely no warning from #easyJet ! With no alternatives, birthday at home it is”.

Travellers have separately complained of a lack of check-in staff, causing “chaos”. One said: “You need to get your s**t together. @Gatwick_Airport departures is an absolute chaos.

“There are 2000 people waiting to check in and you have 2 people in the desks! Great planning!”

Another posted a video of check-in desks for BA flights, and said: “04:45 No check in staff at Gatwick this morning”.

A Gatwick spokesperson, which is responsible for security while airlines employ check-in staff, said there were “no significant queues for security”.

An EasyJet spokesperson said: “Today we plan to operate around 1700 flights but unfortunately a small number have been impacted this morning.

“Customers have been notified and provided with options to rebook or receive a refund. We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused.”