Press Release

Gatwick Airport remains open for business

5 February 2012: 16.00

Despite last nights snow, Gatwick Airport remains open for business. Our £8million investment to double the size of our snow clearing equipment and our extensive plans and preparations together with our airlines and their handling agents, have helped us ensure that nearly all scheduled departing and inbound flights have taken off and arrived safely.  

We received 8cm of snow yet remained open throughout the night. We continue to operate a near full schedule of flights today although the continued weather conditions, and its impact on travel to and from the airport, may result in passengers experiencing some disruptions. 

As at 16:00 we have had just 9 cancellations, have seen over 50,000 passengers safely through our terminals and our focus is to continue putting our snow preparations and plans into action and to safely operate flights throughout the remainder of the day.  

Passengers are strongly advised to check the status of their flight with their airline first before making their way to the airport and allow extra time to travel to the airport as the road and rail networks may be impacted by the weather.

In the event of disruption, the welfare of passengers will be our top priority. 

Notes to editors

Winter Weather Facts

  • This year we have doubled the size of the snow clearing kit from 47 to 95 through an £8 million investment programme
  • The kit includes snow ploughs, brushes, cutters, blowers and de-icing vehicles as well as tractors and other small plant equipment
  • Gatwick now has 14 snow ploughs for its single runway
  • We have 680,000 litres of anti-icing agents in stock - double the capacity of 2010
  • We have more than doubled the number of trained staff to carry our snow clearing activities. This includes trained resources from other parts of the business.
  • Gatwick has 1.8 million sq ft of runway to clear of snow and anti-ice
  • In total, Gatwick has around 23 miles of surface roads to clear of snow and ice
  • Gatwick is responsible for clearing snow and de-icing the runway, taxiways, car parks and airport roads
  • Airlines and their handling agents are responsible for clearing snow and de-icing the aircraft stands and the aircraft and ensuring they have enough de-icing agents at the airport
  • Gatwick makes available six de-icing rigs used by the airlines and their handling agents
  • Gatwick can store up to 680,000 litres of anti-icing agents – double the capacity of 2010-11  and enough to last ten days

 Media enquiries to:
GATWICK AIRPORT PRESS OFFICE
+ 44 (0) 1293 505000

gatwickmedia@gatwickairport.com

 

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