Gatwick Airport has sought to reassure passengers that chaos seen last Easter will not be repeated next month.

Flights were cancelled as Gatwick and airlines suffered staff shortages, with holidaymakers jetting off for Easter last year facing severe delays to get through security.

However, the airport said it is now “well resourced” and managed to deal with busy periods over Christmas “without issue”.

A spokeswoman for Gatwick said: “We don’t expect to see the same problems as were experienced by airports across the country.

“Gatwick recruited more than 400 new security staff over the summer and have continued our recruitment drive, so we are well resourced and managed busy periods over Christmas and half-term without issue.”

The Argus:

However, passengers have been urged to be fully prepared for security checks to avoid delays for others and make the process as smooth as possible.

The spokeswoman added: “Tips include placing all liquids, creams, gels, balms and pastes in one resealable, transparent bag separate to hand luggage, taking any laptops, tablets or e-readers out of their hand luggage and removing jackets, belts, and watches in advance of reaching the security trays.”

Gatwick is one of the busiest airports in the country, handling more than 30 million passengers last year.