More than 100 easyJet flights have been grounded at Gatwick Airport as a result of severe thunderstorms.

Around 15,000 passengers have been disrupted by cancellations on Sunday and Monday as storms sweep the country after a prolonged spell of warm weather.

The airline axed 54 flights scheduled to take off or depart from Gatwick Airport on Sunday, with a further 55 grounded on Monday.

Gatwick warned that more storms are expected on Monday with a Met Office yellow thunderstorm warning in place across central England from 12pm until 9pm.

An easyJet spokeswoman said: “Thunderstorms in the Gatwick area which restricted the number of arrivals and departures on Sunday unfortunately resulted in disruption at London Gatwick Airport, including some diversions and cancellations which is having a knock-on impact this morning as a number of aircraft are out of position.

“We are doing all possible to minimise the impact on our customers, providing those on cancelled flights with options to rebook or receive a refund as well as hotel accommodation and meals where required.

“The safety and wellbeing of customers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority and, while this is outside of our control, we would like to apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused.”