easyJet and Gatwick argue over snow problems
09.01.10
easyJet has accused Gatwick Airport of misleading passengers over delays caused by the current weather conditions, the Crawley News reports. The budget airline says it is ‘disappointed’ the airport is operating far below capacity while claiming to be fully open. But airport bosses hit back, insisting outbound flights have not been restricted and incoming flights have not been affected as badly as easyJet claims.
An easyJet spokesman said: ‘Contrary to media reports, Gatwick Airport was not fully open for business on Thursday. In fact, only a small number of flights were being allowed to depart each hour and there were no arrivals at one point during the day due to restrictions imposed by the airport and air traffic control. This is exacerbating the weather disruption many airlines are currently facing.'
‘Safety is the number one priority, but easyJet is disappointed that the UK’s second largest airport is operating a small percentage of its capacity. The airport’s statements, implying that they are fully open, are not helpful to passengers at this difficult time.‘
However, an airport spokeswoman said there had been no restrictions on outbound aircraft, and there had only been restrictions on inbound traffic in the morning. She said: ‘We have made it very clear flights are likely to be subject to some delay and disruption.’ The spokesman agreed easyJet’s outbound flights have not been operating as normal, but said this was not because of airport restrictions, implying that the airline was to blame.
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