London Gatwick Airport remains open and operational on Wednesday (July 8), but passengers are facing travel disruption after a fatal crash on the M23 forced the closure of a major section of the motorway leading to the airport. Alongside road congestion, several arrivals and departures have also been delayed or cancelled throughout the day.
Airport authorities are advising passengers to check their flight status before travelling and allow extra time to reach the terminal due to heavy traffic around Gatwick.
London Gatwick Airport Today (July 8): Is Gatwick Airport Open Today After the M23 Accident?
Yes. London Gatwick Airport is open and continues to operate scheduled domestic and international flights. However, passengers travelling to and from the airport are experiencing delays because the M23 southbound remains closed following a fatal van crash near Junction 9 at Crawley.
The airport itself has not suspended operations, but the motorway closure has significantly increased congestion on surrounding roads. Travellers using private vehicles, taxis or buses are being advised to plan and use alternative routes where possible.
London Gatwick Airport Today (July 8): Flight Delays & Cancellations
While Gatwick Airport continues normal operations, several flights have been delayed or cancelled during the day. Most disruptions are affecting short-haul European services, although some long-haul flights have also been impacted.
Airport officials say today’s disruption is being caused by a combination of operational adjustments, busy summer travel demand and traffic delays around the airport following the M23 closure. Passengers are encouraged to monitor airline updates before leaving for the airport.
London Gatwick Airport Today (July 8): Latest Arrivals Cancelled
The following arrival flights have been cancelled on Wednesday:
- 06:00 – TUI TOM025 from Punta Cana
- 08:10 – easyJet EJU8078 from Malaga
- 09:35 – JetBlue B62104 from Boston
- 13:30 – British Airways BA2641 from Malaga
- 15:50 – British Airways BA2671 from Palma de Mallorca
Passengers expecting arriving travellers should check directly with the airline for the latest information before heading to the airport.
London Gatwick Airport Today (July 8): Latest Departures Delayed
Several departing flights have also been affected. Some of the latest delays include:
- 08:20 – easyJet EZY8321 to Palermo (Delayed to 08:55)
- 09:30 – easyJet EZY8289 to Milan (Delayed to 09:50)
- 10:00 – easyJet EZY8225 to Chania (Delayed to 10:20)
- 13:05 – easyJet EZY8039 to Tenerife South (Delayed to 13:20)
- 13:50 – easyJet EZY8287 to Catania (Delayed to 14:55)
- 16:15 – easyJet EZY8049 to Corvera (Delayed to 16:35)
Some British Airways and easyJet services have also been marked “Enquire Airline”, meaning passengers should contact the airline for updated departure information.
London Gatwick Airport Today (July 8): M23 Fatal Crash Adds to Travel Disruption
The biggest disruption outside the airport stems from the fatal collision on the M23 southbound near Junction 9 (Crawley) shortly after 1:20 am.
The crash involved a van and resulted in a lengthy motorway closure while Sussex Police carried out a forensic investigation. The closure has caused long queues on both the M23 and parts of the M25, making travel to Gatwick Airport considerably slower than usual.
National Highways has warned motorists to expect delays throughout the day.
London Gatwick Airport Today (July 8): Which Flights Have Been Cancelled or Delayed?
Most affected flights involve destinations across southern Europe, including Malaga, Milan, Palermo, Chania, Tenerife South, Catania and Palma de Mallorca.
Several long-haul services have also been impacted, including the JetBlue flight from Boston and the TUI service from Punta Cana.
Passengers should continue checking live departure and arrival boards as schedules may change throughout the day.
London Gatwick Airport Today (July 8): Travel Advisory
Passengers travelling through Gatwick are advised to:
- Check flight status with their airline before leaving home.
- Allow extra travel time because of M23 traffic congestion.
- Follow official diversion routes if travelling by road.
- Arrive at the airport earlier than usual during the busy summer travel period.
- Keep airline notifications enabled in case of last-minute schedule changes.
Travellers using taxis or private vehicles should expect longer journey times than normal.
London Gatwick Airport Today (July 8): Traffic Situation Around the Airport
Traffic remains heavy around Gatwick Airport due to the M23 closure. Congestion has been reported on:
- M23 southbound
- M25 around the M23 interchange
- A22 diversion route
- A264 through Copthorne
Drivers travelling towards the airport have been advised to use diversion routes and expect extended journey times throughout the day.
London Gatwick Airport Today (July 8): What’s Next?
Gatwick Airport is expected to remain fully operational, but further delays may occur as airlines work to recover disrupted schedules during one of the busiest periods of the summer travel season.
Meanwhile, Sussex Police continue investigating the fatal M23 crash, and the motorway is expected to reopen only after forensic examinations and vehicle recovery operations are completed. Until then, passengers travelling to Gatwick Airport should monitor live traffic and flight updates and allow additional time for their journey.
