AIRLINES were today warned the UK’s second biggest airport is running out of fuel, sparking fears of a summer holiday getaway meltdown for thousands of passengers.
Disruption is likely to long-haul flights in and out of Gatwick Airport.
Pilots were sent emergency alerts about the shortages and urged to load up on extra fuel at other airports.
In one memo seen by The Sun, staff were warned: “For attention of all crews: Gatwick has a shortage of fuel for the next two days.
“Please uplift max possible fuel at outstations.”
Another “emergency” notification issued to aviation bosses told of “potential disruption to the Gatwick fuel supply”.
A senior source told The Sun: “The fuel shortage will affect all airlines.
“Long-haul flights are under the most threat.
“Pilots will try and take on as much fuel as they can from their foreign destinations to bring back to the UK. But they will be limited by factors such as the maximum take off weight and the maximum landing weight back at Gatwick.
“Most flights beyond 2.5 hours will still need extra fuel in Gatwick.
“The fuel shortage warning came with many long-haul flights already enroute to the UK, meaning crews were unable to bring extra fuel with them.
“Pilots will be trying to supplement as much fuel as they can down-route to protect the long-haul flights and stretch out supply.
“The longer the fuel shortage lasts, the tighter it will get. It means there is a good chance of disruption, particularly Monday onwards.”
The Sun understands that engineers are battling to fix a technical issue at one of the major fuel farms serving the airport. Gatwick bosses urged airlines to take more fuel on flights to help alleviate the issue.
The issue is understood to be unrelated to the threat to airlines of jet fuel shortages due to the Iran war.
The conflict in the Middle East has led to the effective blockade of the key Strait of Hormuz waterway, normally a key route for Europe’s jet fuel. The crisis has led to near doubling in fuel prices.
Last week Gatwick passengers suffered water shortages after a power failure at a treatment works that serves the area.
Passengers told of confusion and frustration as all bars and restaurants were shut, and some were left with nowhere to sit, and long waits outside toilets.
Around 43 million passengers travel through Gatwick’s two terminals each year.
A London Gatwick spokesperson told The Sun of the fuel crisis: “Following a technical issue impacting fuel supply to the airport, airlines have been advised to monitor fuel availability.
“We are working closely with external suppliers to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and minimise any potential disruption.
“All airlines are operating as normal.”