Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the staffing shortages at NATS Holdings, (2) the reasons for a staff shortage at NATS Holdings, and (3) the impact of the staffing shortage on air services this summer; and what consideration they have given to imposing financial penalties on NATS Holdings.

The Government regrets the delays to passengers caused by staffing issues in the Gatwick air traffic control tower on 14 September 2023.

My officials have and will continue to engage with the relevant stakeholders to ensure robust plans are in place to mitigate disruption, recognising that the safety of the operation must always be the paramount consideration for air navigation service providers.

Officials have met with NATS Holdings, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Gatwick airport and easyJet to review their plans and to gain assurances that they are working together to deliver for the passenger.

UK aviation operates in the private sector and tower services, including staffing, are a commercial matter between the airport operator and the service provider. NATS Holdings is an independent company and does not receive Government funding.