MOD Gibraltar says that due to industrial action taken by the Met Office on 10 May 23, there is "no qualified workforce to provide this essential service, requiring the closure of the airfield".

A statement from the MOD follows below:

The industrial action is affecting all Met Office sites.

Met Office staff are fundamental to safe operations on any airfield.  Recent events (localised fog, strong winds and turbulence) have exemplified the potential instability of local weather conditions.  It is not possible to provide a safe service without trained and experienced met staff to interpret and forecast the possible impact of this on flying activity.

Whilst the diversion or cancellation of aircraft is of course regrettable, RAF Gibraltar will always prioritise the safety of all airport users. Timely and accurate meteorological information is crucial to the safe conduct of flights.