Gatwick Airport has warned airlines of a jet fuel shortage expected over the next two days, following a technical issue. The alert, sent directly to pilots, is likely to disrupt flights departing from the London airport and affect carriers including easyJet, British Airways, Wizz Air, TUI and Jet2 during the peak summer season.
What did Gatwick tell airlines?
The airport's announcement to crews read: "For the attention of all crews: Gatwick has a shortage of fuel for the next two days. Please uplift max possible fuel at outstations." A follow-up memo also cautioned of a "potential disruption to the Gatwick fuel supply".
How will airlines respond?
An airline source told The Sun: "Pilots will try and take on as much fuel as they can from their foreign destinations to bring back to the UK, but they will be limited by factors such as the maximum take-off weight and the maximum landing weight back at Gatwick." The source added that "disruption" is likely at the UK's second largest airport from Monday.
Short-haul carriers such as easyJet may be less severely affected because they can load extra fuel from inbound European flights, bypassing Gatwick's pumps altogether. Long-haul operators such as British Airways could face greater difficulties, especially where flights had already departed before the warning was issued.
What caused the shortage?
The disruption is reportedly the result of a technical fault at one of Gatwick's fuel farms, rather than being connected to the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
A Gatwick Airport spokesperson said: "Following a technical issue impacting fuel supply to the airport, airlines have been advised to monitor fuel availability. We are working closely with external suppliers to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and minimise any potential disruption. All airlines are operating as normal."
MEN has contacted easyJet and British Airways for further comment.
