BREAKING: Gatwick Airport flight diversions chaos as dozens diverted to as far away as Cardiff

There is chaos at Gatwick Airport tonight as dozens of flights are having to be diverted due to staff shortages in air traffic control – we’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video in this breaking news story

Thousands of Gatwick Airport passengers are facing nightmare flights tonight as more than a dozen have had to be diverted, with pilots warned of “heavy delays”.

The Sussex airport has warned a “short notice staff absence” means restrictions have been put in place. As a result, some people hoping to return home tonight could be sent further afield then they were planning. Some said they landed at Heathrow, while others claimed to have been diverted to Stansted.

Several unhappy passengers have vented their frustrations on X, formerly known as Twitter. One fed up person said: “[I] landed at Heathrow airport, supposed to go Gatwick, passengers sitting in flight from last hour, they don’t provide any information, no information at airports too, not even customer care, the worst service.” Another complained they feared they would land far away from their family members who are due to pick them up.

The airport replied to concerns: “Due to a short notice staff absence in the Air Traffic Control tower, temporary air traffic control restrictions have been put in place this afternoon. This will cause some delays. Gatwick would like to apologise. Please contact your airline for more information.”