British Airways has suspended operations at its London Gatwick hub, citing “challenging” market conditions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Gatwick is the UK’s second-busiest airport after London Heathrow, and BA’s second-largest hub. Cirium schedules data shows that the carrier serves 75 destinations from Gatwick.
“Due to the considerable restrictions and challenging market environment, like many other airlines, we will temporarily suspend our flying schedule at Gatwick. We are contacting affected customers to discuss their options,” says BA.
Essential maintenance and towing work is expected to continue at Gatwick throughout the suspension period, to ensure that operations can be smoothly ramped up once flights resume.
Gatwick announced on 27 March that it would temporarily close its North Terminal from 1 April and consolidate activities into its South Terminal, from which BA operates. The airport says a decision on reopening the North Terminal will be taken when airline traffic increases and government public-health restrictions are relaxed.
BA parent IAG said earlier this month that it would cut capacity by at least 75% during April and May.