Gatwick’s ‘gesture of goodwill’ to passengers over Christmas Eve delays

Gatwick Airport is to give £100 of shopping vouchers to every passenger whose flight was cancelled due to the power cut in the North Terminal on Christmas Eve.
Stewart WingateStewart Wingate
Stewart Wingate

Thousands of passengers were stranded when 62 departures and 59 arrivals were cancelled after torrential rainfall led to flooding which damaged electrical substations and switch rooms, leaving part of the Terminal without power.

A full review of the disruption will be undertaken, headed up by David McMillan the former Director General of Eurocontrol and a non-executive Director of Gatwick Airport.

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His report and recommendations will be published in February 2014.

Over the past four years, Gatwick’s owners have invested £12million on improving flood defences and is currently building an additional on-site flood resilience scheme costing over £8million.

A spokesman described the recent rainfall as “unprecedented”.

Stewart Wingate, London Gatwick Chief Executive, said: “We appreciate that lots of our passengers were travelling to be with their families over the festive period and we are sorry that flights were cancelled and passengers left disappointed, particularly at this time of the year.”

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The spokesman added: “With this in mind, London Gatwick will be offering £100 of high street vouchers to each passenger whose flight was cancelled on Christmas Eve as a gesture of goodwill in recognition of the exceptionally difficult circumstances.”

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