Gatwick Airport runway closed and flights grounded sparking travel chaos for passengersA Boeing 787 aircraft is reportedly stuck on the runway meaning no other planes can take offGatwick is the UK’s second busiest airport (Gareth Fuller/PA)PA ArchiveMatt Watts, News Editor|Tom Place, News Reporter2 minutes ago
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Gatwick Airport’s runway was closed on Friday afternoon, with all planes grounded causing chaos for passengers.
A Boeing 787 aircraft from Norse Atlantic Airways was stuck on the runway with a technical issue that is currently being investigated, The Sun reported.
Staff worked to remove the plane and resume flights as quickly as possible, with air traffic tracking website Flightradar24 confirming the airport was back in action around 2.40pm.
The fault was understood to be a landing gear issue.
The plane, which had been due to fly to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, was forced to reject its take-off, with emergency response vehicles rushing to the runway to assess the situation.
No injuries have been reported.
Airport officials have told customers to still travel to the airport on time for their flights.
The disruption triggered widespread delays, with some incoming EasyJet flights forced to divert to neighbouring hubs, including London Luton and London Stansted.
Despite flight operations resuming, severe delays for upcoming flights are expected throughout the afternoon.
Gatwick currently has only one runway, but is seeking to reposition its northern runway into full-time use.
A London Gatwick spokesperson said earlier today: “Due to a technical issue with a departing aircraft, our runway is currently closed.
“Our teams are working to move the aircraft and resume operations as quickly as possible. As always, safety and security is our number one priority.”
London Gatwick and Norse Atlantic Airways have been contacted for further comment.
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