British Airways is suspending all flights from Gatwick amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The UK’s second-busiest airport announced last week that it would close its North Terminal on April 1.
It remains possible that the airport may close entirely as demand plummets and countries bring in flight bans. BA uses the South Terminal.
The flag carrier continues to fly a reduced schedule to and from Heathrow, and has said that customers will be contacted to discuss their options.
It has moved all Terminal 3 operations at Heathrow to Terminal 5.
It has also suspended all operations from London City Airport, which later said it would close entirely.
British Airways: how to cancel, rebook or get a refund on your flight
BA is part of a new government plan, announced yesterday, to put on charter flights to bring Britons back to the UK who are stuck overseas.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said yesterday that any British travellers currently overseas should book commercial flights home as soon as possible in case further routes close.
Raab also said that the government would support airlines with £75 million and work with foreign governments to put on special charter flights to bring people home.
People have been advised to check the web and social media pages for the British Embassy or High Commission of the country they are in.
They should make contact with the offices and request to be placed on any email lists or fill in a form to receive the latest information about flights.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said this morning that there would be “advanced warning” ahead of chartered rescue flights so that people could arrange ways to get to the airport. They will have to book and pay for the flights through a booking channel set up by the Foreign Office.
Foreign Office to support charter flights to bring Britons back to UK
Easyjet, which will also play a role in rescue flights, yesterday announced it was suspending all regular operations.
Meanwhile the boss of low-cost carrier Ryanair has said he does not expect the airline to fly in April or May, and low-cost carrier Wizz Air has cut almost all operations.
The CEO of Loganair, a Scottish regional carrier, said yesterday that it was likely they would need to approach the Treasury for a support package to stay afloat.
Virgin Atlantic is also expected to ask the government for a bailout this week.
