A 70-strong search and rescue team from across the UK, plus two special search dogs, travelled out of Gatwick today, together with eight NGO experts and a cargo of heavy rescue equipment, to link into the international rescue operation in Haiti. They were amongst the first passengers to depart from Gatwick following the earlier runway closure as a result of heavy snowfall.

Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “Vital equipment and trained UK experts are now on their way to Haiti where they are desperately needed. This is a tragedy on a massive scale. Already Britain is playing its part in the huge international response. I am grateful to everyone involved in the effort so far, including Gatwick Airport, whose teams worked hard to get the runway open for this flight, despite the
bad weather.”

Stewart Wingate, Gatwick’s Chief Executive Officer said: “Today’s snow once again meant our teams had to overcome challenging conditions to ensure our runway was safe for aircraft and passengers, including the important mission to Haiti. We are pleased to have been able to support the Department for International Development despite the severe weather.”

Gatwick’s runway reopened at 15.15 after being closed for essential snow clearance and de-icing following snowfall overnight and throughout the morning. Recent heavy snowfalls meant the entire 1.8 million square metre tarmac area of the airfield has been cleared numerous times, with over 3,500 metric tons of snow cleared from the airfield today.

Flights are still likely to be subject to cancellation and delay and passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest flight information.