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Gatwick to close North Terminal and limit runway opening times
Gatwick’s North terminal will close for at least a month and its South Terminal will operate with only limited hours from April 1.
The airport said it had taken the measures to protect staff, passengers and the business from the impact of the coronavirus.
The runway will be used for scheduled flights only between 2pm and 10pm, but will remain available for emergency landings and diversions outside these hours.
The measures will be in place for a month, with the situation kept under regular review, said the management.
"As a responsible business, the airport has made this decision to protect the health and safety of passengers and staff, and to shield the business following a dramatic fall in airline traffic," it said, adding that a decision would be taken on reopening the North Terminal when airline traffic increases and Government public health advice – including on social distancing – is relaxed.
Any passengers booked on flights due to depart or arrive at Gatwick during this period are advised to contact their airline.
Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate said: "Gatwick is a resilient but also responsible business and during these extraordinary times we need to take unprecedented measures to protect the health and wellbeing of our staff and passengers, while also shielding the business from the impact of coronavirus.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my staff for their continuing hard work through this difficult time and to reassure them that we are taking these difficult decisions now, so that we are in a position to recover quickly and get back to generating jobs and economic benefits for the region and wider economy well into the future.
"During these extraordinary times, we have also seen remarkable acts of kindness and community spirit in support of people who may need some additional help. To add to this, we will also be providing some opportunities so that any of our staff, who have time during this period of reduced operations, that choose to, can help support people in our local communities."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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