Gatwick flight cancellation :Oct half term what would you do?

[TheLeavesAreTurningBrown]

Just wondering because it's looking increasing unlikely flights from Gatwick are safe what would you do?
How would we get to nantes?

why do you think this will happen during half term? I flew from Gatwick last week and frankly it was a nightmare. Outbound flight was cancelled and I had to book onto a flight to an airport further away from my destination. That flight was 2 hours delayed and we had to wait on board.

return flight was also 2 hours delayed because of air traffic control shortages at Gatwick.

If you’re concerned, get the train. It’s only 6 hours from St Pancras.

The current issue is an outbreak of COVID among air traffic controllers. Unlikely to last until half term. Not affecting all flights. I’m flying from Gatwick this Saturday and no flights that day are expected to be cancelled.

Train if you have not already booked a flight.

I would avoid Gatwick if at all possible, as PP said, we also used to fly from Gatwick. always delayed. Thank goodness we no longer live near or have to use Gatwick now.

The current issue is covid sickness absences reducing staffing to unsafe levels for normal operations.

I read yesterday that air control could not operate at usual volumes, and 82 flights had been cancelled.

Irrespective of what's happening now, there is always a risk of cancellation/major delay/re-routing (strikes - at either end, including ground staff and border control and customs; IT failure; weather closing airports; sheer bad luck random incident.

That's why you should always buy travel insurance the day you book, because strikes for example become uninsurable once ballot announced (preachy bit over)

And agree with PPs, rail (also better for the environment)

Talk elsewhere for few months now has been that Gatwick is running on absolutely minimum establishment in ATC.

Any illness, not just an outbreak of Covid, is going to cause problems.

Will look unto the train thank you and also ferry.

FWIW from Eurocontrol updates this morning, this for Gatwick:

"Arrivals regulated due to Aerodrome capacity.
Moderate delays."

So problem is ongoing.

I changed my October half term flight from LGW to LHR a few weeks ago as there have been so many issues at Gatwick this year. There are major staffing issues across the airport, not just on air traffic control. I'd definitely have a plan b in place if changing flights isn't an option.

@EnglishGirlApproximately.. Who were you flying with, I guessing ba?

Unfortunately train is going to be over a grand. It's a great shame trains are so expensive when we really need to be able to use them more

Ferry about 600 and over night which is not ideal but do able.

What other airlines can I try for lhw?
Ba is ridiculous expensive as well

@notimagain...

Our flight leaves at 10 I think I don't suppose you know what rhymes or reason they apply to cancel flights? Eg later on or morning.

Looking at other options eg air France seems to be 1450 one way. Just not possible to do.

@TheLeavesAreTurningBrown yes BA - the combination of BA and Gatwick was making me nervous so I've changed it! Can you see if any if the low cost carriers have anything to other London airports? Id rather take a hit in the cost now than be stuck last minute and paying for expensive options.

Why does the alternative need to be Heathrow? There are several more London airports.

I'd look up Nantes departures board for today, and see where in the UK they are flying to that might work for you.

Hi, sorry had to post and run earlier..

TBH not sure what criteria are being used for any cancellations over the weekend.

Looks like this AM the multitude of flights still scheduled to go did depart but there were delays.

@FallingAutumnLeaf

That's a good idea thank you.

It is 6 hours drive from Calais to Nantes. How far are you from the Eurotunnel?

Since 2020 shorthaul flying has been a huge hassle, lots of delays, baggage loss, strikes etc. We drive regularly now to France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.

It depends on how long you go for. We are in a holiday house sharing club with friends and family - we all drive etc. and save a fortune.

Fly to Paris from LHR and take an internal. Ryan Air also do direct to Nantes from Stanstead

Ryanair Stansted : Nantes would be your best option if the train is too expensive.

Ryan Air is 900 plus
Ferry looking like best option

https://www.mediacentre.gatwickairport.com/news/london-gatwick-temporarily-limits-flight-numbers-to-protect-flights-and-provide-certainty-to-passengers-following-recent-air-traffic-control-issues-1ddd-40f32.html

If it helps anyone planning to travel the theory is: "The daily cap will prevent last-minute cancellations"

Oh and :

" while NATS work through challenges driven by sickness and staffing constraints. "= we have been trying to save money for ages and haven't recruited enough controllers

@notimagain thank you

For Nantes I would drive, take the overnight ferry from Portsmouth to ouistreham and it's an easy drive. A84 to Rennes then the n137, under 4 hours. Le Havre is a good alternative port.

@gogomoto
I'm not sure how well we would sleep on the ferry though

@NiceViper. We are supposedly covered with our bank account re insurance.
But I'm not sure how good it is.