Gatwick Airport says it is fully prepared for the winter months, insisting it is ready for whatever the weather may deliver in the coming weeks.
As temperatures begin to fall and the risk of snow and ice increases, the airport has been showcasing its extensive fleet of modern winter-resilience vehicles, along with the specialist teams trained to operate them.
The equipment they use includes high-capacity snowploughs, runway sweepers, powerful de-icing machines and vehicles designed to disperse anti-icing treatments across large areas at speed. Gatwick says each vehicle plays a vital role in keeping the airport running smoothly during severe weather, ensuring aircraft can continue to take off and land safely.
Airport managers say the teams who operate the machinery undergo rigorous training throughout the year. This includes regular simulation exercises and winter-readiness drills to ensure staff can be deployed with minimal notice. The airport has developed detailed response plans covering everything from the first sign of freezing temperatures to heavy snowfall, allowing teams to coordinate quickly and efficiently.
Keeping the runway operational is the airport’s top priority, and Gatwick says its snow and ice-clearance strategy is designed to prevent small problems from becoming major disruptions. By treating surfaces before frost sets in, clearing snow as it falls, and constantly monitoring temperatures, the airport aims to minimise delays for passengers even during prolonged cold snaps.
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