London Gatwick Airport (LGW) has issued new safety guidance for travellers and staff ahead of the reopening of the North Terminal on 15 June.

The North Terminal closed in March for a temporary period due to the severe impact on flights.

Many airlines and airports across Europe are now preparing to scale up their operations in line with the lifting of intra-EU travel restrictions in mid-June, with easyJet, Ryanair, Belavia, Vueling and Blue Island resuming flights at LGW.

Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive, Gatwick Airport, said: “We are pleased to be in a position to re-open the North Terminal and we look forward to welcoming back easyJet as they restart flights alongside our other airlines.

“The recent government announcement regarding the 14-day quarantine period for passengers arriving into the UK is, in our opinion, already having an impact on the start of air travel recovery. We accept the government’s absolute priority is the protection of public health, but we continue to push for regular, country-by-country reviews of quarantine regulations, based on medical evidence.”

OPENING HOURS INCREASED

Measures taken by the airport to protect people include compulsory face coverings mandated by the government [for those travelling on public transport – Ed], promoting social distancing, encouraging regular hand washing and the use of hand sanitiser.

Staff will wear face masks or face coverings in passenger areas of the airport, protective screens will be in place at areas such as check-in, boarding and gates, and enhanced cleaning regimes have been implemented.

Special personal protective equipment (PPE) bins are situated in the terminals to allow people to dispose of face coverings and gloves only.

A large number of hand sanitiser stations have been installed and other areas for washing hands are clearly marked.

In-terminal announcements, signage and digital signs will remind people to observe social distancing rules and seating has been arranged accordingly. In addition, Gatwick will now be open between 06:00 – 22:00.

“Having remained open throughout this pandemic the wellbeing and safety of our passengers and everyone that works at the airport remains our top priority,” added Wingate.

“We have introduced a range of new social distancing and hygiene solutions to help this happen so we can all help protect each other when travelling through the airport. We want people to understand that airports and air travel is a safe environment in this Covid-19 travelling world.”