BOURNEMOUTH Airport has closed to non-commercial flights for the 'next three days'. 

All private flights, including business flights, light aircraft and flying schools, will be left grounded this weekend after a staff shortage at Air Traffic Control. 

The decision was made today to “protect the travelling public” and the closure is believed to continue until Sunday, August 14.

Paul Norwood, a private plane pilot who flies a two-seater Europa, has been left frustrated that he and his friends are grounded this weekend.  

Bournemouth Echo:

He said: “There is a group of us who normally go flying twice a week over to France or the Channel Islands or even other parts of the UK. 

“We are all frustrated with this because all can’t go now. We were planning to go to the Channel Islands. 

“As bad as it is, we have to give 12 hours' notice to control before we leave. The flying school can’t even fly or business flights. 

“Especially with the weather being so nice, it makes it particularly frustrating.” 

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One worker close to the airport said: “There has been a lot less flights going out today. TUI are still landing their planes, but there are no private planes going out.” 

A spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority said: “We are aware of this and it is due to staff shortages and this closure appears to be a business decision to protect the travelling public.”

A spokesman for Bournemouth Airport said: “The airport is open to non-commercial traffic.

"Sickness among some air traffic control staff has necessitated roster changes which means there will be times when air traffic cover is unavailable and we have asked general aviation users to plan around this.”