By Bev Fearis, published 10/06/20
Gatwick is to re-open its North Terminal on June 15 with a raft of new safety measures in place.
EasyJet announced it is restarting flights from the North Terminal on that date, alongside Wizz Air, Ryanair, Belavia, Vueling and Blue Island.
The terminal has been closed since April 1 due to a drop in demand during the pandemic lockdown.
New safety measures include mandatory face coverings for passengers and for staff in passenger-facing areas.
Gatwick has installed face mask vending machines and Perspex screens throughout the terminals, including at check-in desks and gate rooms.
Dedicated teams will be visible to respond to any passenger concerns about cleanliness and there will be well signposted hand washing facilities and numerous hand sanitising stations, including touch-free models.
Social distancing procedures will be in place at check-in, security, gate rooms, seating in departure halls and in restaurants, bars and shops.
Gatwick will also increase its operating hours to 0600-22.00.
The airport’s Chief Executive Stewart Wingate said: “Having remained open throughout this pandemic the wellbeing and safety of our passengers and everyone that works at the airport remains our top priority.
“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.
“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.”
