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Gatwick, which is the UK's second busiest airport, was badly affected by ATC staff shortages across continental Europe in 2024, and suffered the same problem in its own control tower.

However, ATC issues are considered to be an "extraordinary circumstance", meaning affected passengers are not entitled to compensation.

The FAA employs around 45,000 people, of which ATC staff number about 14,000.

“Wow! In the years I’ve been doing this, I’ve never heard a ATC controller tell a plane to ‘Stop, stop, stop,’” he says in the video.

ATC media officials didn’t immediately respond to emails sent after the hearing seeking comment.