Flights have been diverted from Gatwick Airport over an Air Traffic Control staff shortages, it said.

Thousands of passengers face potential cancellations, delays and diversions after a staff shortage which meant planes could not land on Thursday night.

A London Gatwick Airport spokesperson said: “Due to a short notice staff absence in the Air Traffic Control tower, temporary air traffic control restrictions have been put in place this evening. This will cause some delays.

“London Gatwick would like to apologise to any passengers who have been impacted by these restrictions.  Please contact your airline for more information.

“NATS are a world-class provider of air traffic services and London Gatwick’s senior management recognises how hard the airport’s air traffic controllers are working to keep the operation moving.  We are working closely with NATS to build resilience in the airport’s control tower to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.”