Gatwick Airport: ALL FLIGHTS suspended after aircraft blocks runway

Flights currently in the air are circling away from the airport and some have already diverted.

The plane initially remained on the tarmac, blocking the runway, whilst emergency services hosed down the brakes.

An eyewitness, who was on another plane and waiting to take off, has told ITV News Meridian: "Just as we were about to roll onto the runway for takeoff, the pilot announced another aircraft was stuck on and blocking the runway and that they didn’t know how long it would take to clear.

"We must be knocking on for an hour now. The plane has now been towed from the runway and our engines are back up and running."

They said that the plane, which had a destination of Vancouver, appeared to be a British Airways aircraft.

Live flight data from the airport shows that the aircraft has now been moved.

Posting on social media, the airport said: "The main runway was closed for a short time today (June 28) due to a departing aircraft having hot brakes.

"Safety is our top priority and the dedicated airport fire service swiftly attended to support the aircraft. A number of flights were diverted.

"The runway is now open and operating as normal. We advise passengers to speak to their airline for the latest information on their flight."

A London Gatwick spokesperson said: "The main runway was closed for 50 minutes today (28 June) due to a departing aircraft having hot brakes. Safety is our top priority and London Gatwick’s dedicated airport fire service swiftly attended to support the aircraft. 16 inbound flights were diverted during the closure. The runway is now open and operating as normal.

"23 flights were cancelled and there are a number of delays due to the knock-on impact. We are working with our airlines and other airport partners to minimise disruption. Passengers should contact their airlines directly for the latest flight information."