In a statement, the airport said it would limit the number of flights to 800 a day from Monday, which will remain in place until Sunday 1 October.

It said the limit would prevent last-minute cancellations and delays for passengers.

Stewart Wingate, chief executive of London Gatwick, said: "This has been a very difficult decision but the action we have taken today means our airlines can fly reliable flight programmes, which gives passengers more certainty that they will not face last minute cancellations.

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"We are working closely with NATS to build resilience in the control tower, and this decision means we can prevent as much disruption as possible.

"London Gatwick would like to sincerely apologise to any passengers who have been impacted by these restrictions."

Under the limit, that could mean up to 65 flights cancelled on specific days of the week. Gatwick Airport typically has 800 or more flight "movements" a day.

It said the 30% of its NATS air traffic control staff were currently unavailable for a variety of medical reasons, including COVID infections.